"Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Machado's Daughter Amid Leader's Absence"

Machado's Daughter Accepts Nobel Peace Prize in Venezuelan Opposition Leader's Absence In a poignant moment at the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway, María Corina Machado's daughter Ana Corina Sosa accepted the prestigious award on her mother's behalf, amidst concerns for Machado's safety. The Venezuelan opposition leader has been in hiding since January, following a brief detention after joining a protest in Caracas. According to the Norwegian Nobel committee, Machado is safe, despite being unable to attend the ceremony due to extreme danger. The committee confirmed that Machado's decision to miss the ceremony was made due to the high risk of harm to her and her family. "We understand the risks that María Corina Machado faces in Venezuela, and we are relieved to know that she is safe," said a spokesperson for the Norwegian Nobel committee. Machado has been a vocal critic of the Venezuelan government, and her detention in January sparked international concern. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Machado for her efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela. The prize is considered a significant recognition of her work, and Machado's absence from the ceremony was a poignant reminder of the risks she faces. Ana Corina Sosa, Machado's daughter, delivered a heartfelt speech on her mother's behalf, expressing gratitude to the Nobel committee and emphasizing the importance of continuing the fight for democracy and human rights in Venezuela. "My mother's work is not just about her, it's about the people of Venezuela who are fighting for their rights and freedom," Sosa said. Machado's absence from the ceremony was not unexpected, as she has been in hiding since her detention in January. According to the Associated Press, Machado was briefly detained after joining a protest in Caracas on January 9. Since then, she has been unable to appear in public, and her whereabouts have been unknown. The Norwegian Nobel committee has expressed concern for Machado's safety and has called for her release. "We urge the Venezuelan government to ensure the safety and well-being of María Corina Machado and her family," said the committee's spokesperson. The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony was held on December 10, 2025, at Oslo City Hall in Norway. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries and representatives from around the world, and Ana Corina Sosa's acceptance of the prize on her mother's behalf was a powerful moment in the ceremony. As the situation in Venezuela remains uncertain, the international community continues to call for the release of Machado and the protection of human rights in the country. The Nobel Peace Prize is a significant recognition of Machado's work, and her absence from the ceremony serves as a reminder of the risks she faces in her fight for democracy and human rights.