Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado Faces Fugitive Status If Attending Nobel Ceremony

Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek Saab has declared that opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado will be classified as a "fugitive" should she travel to Norway to accept her award.

Machado, currently in hiding within Venezuela, has expressed her intention to attend the December 10 ceremony in Oslo.

"If she leaves Venezuela while facing numerous criminal investigations, she will be considered a fugitive," Saab informed AFP. He elaborated that Machado faces accusations of "conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism."

The Attorney General also mentioned that Machado is under investigation for supporting the United States military deployment in the Caribbean region.

President Donald Trump has mobilized substantial military assets, including an aircraft carrier, warships, and fighter jets, ostensibly for anti-drug operations. However, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro contends these forces aim to overthrow his leftist government.

Machado has publicly welcomed the American military presence, which has reportedly resulted in strikes against alleged drug vessels, causing at least 83 fatalities in Caribbean and Pacific waters. She has also supported Washington's allegations that Maduro heads a drug cartel operation.

Venezuelan authorities have characterized these maritime strike deaths as "extrajudicial executions."

In a recent social media video, Machado claimed Venezuela stands "on the threshold of a new era."

President Trump has stated that Maduro's tenure is limited and confirmed authorizing CIA clandestine operations within Venezuela.

This development follows Venezuela's decision to close its Norwegian embassy after Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.