Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado Confirms Attendance at Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony Despite Security Risks

The Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado has officially confirmed her intention to travel to Oslo for the award ceremony, according to the Nobel Institute's director who spoke to AFP on Saturday.

"I communicated with Machado yesterday evening, and she has confirmed her attendance at the Oslo ceremony," stated Kristian Berg Harpviken.

"Considering the security circumstances, we cannot disclose further details about her arrival date or travel arrangements," he further explained.

Machado received the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize on October 10, but her travel plans have been complicated by political tensions in Venezuela.

Venezuela's attorney general Tarek William Saab previously informed AFP that Machado would be classified as a "fugitive" should she leave the country to accept the award in Norway.

The formal Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday in Oslo.

Opposition activities in Venezuela have been significantly suppressed following the detention of approximately 2,400 individuals during protests that erupted after President Nicolas Maduro's controversial reelection in July 2024.

Machado has publicly accused Maduro of electoral fraud, an allegation supported by numerous international governments.

The opposition leader, who has been in hiding since August 2024, is known to support US President Donald Trump and agrees with Washington's characterization of Maduro as heading a drug cartel.

The Nobel Peace laureate has expressed approval for increased US military presence in the region, including operations targeting suspected drug vessels.