Machado Accepts Nobel Peace Prize in Historic Oslo Ceremony

Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Collects Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo After Months in Hiding In a historic moment, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado made a surprise public appearance in Oslo, Norway, on December 11, 2025, after months in hiding, despite being under a travel ban. Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to transition Venezuela from dictatorship to democracy, waved from the balcony of the Grand Hotel amidst Nobel Peace Prize celebrations, greeting her supporters and climbing over barricades to join them. According to multiple sources, Machado's appearance comes after her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf, awarded for her tireless efforts to promote democracy and freedom in Venezuela, which has been plagued by corruption and authoritarian rule under Nicolás Maduro. Machado's daughter delivered a speech on her behalf, vowing to continue the struggle for democracy and freedom in Venezuela. Machado, 58, has been in hiding for over a year, and her appearance in Oslo marks a significant moment in her long fight for Venezuela's liberation. Despite a travel ban and a threat from the Venezuelan government that she would be labelled as a fugitive, Machado made the covert journey to collect her Nobel Peace Prize. In an emotional moment, she waved to cheering supporters who had gathered outside the hotel, according to eyewitnesses. Machado's decision to travel to Oslo comes after months of speculation about her whereabouts. According to sources close to the Nobel Committee, Machado's daughter had been in contact with the committee, and arrangements were made for Machado to collect her prize in person. Machado's appearance in Oslo has been met with widespread support from the international community, with many hailing her as a champion of democracy and human rights. In an interview with the BBC, Machado expressed her gratitude to the Nobel Committee and her supporters, saying, "I know exactly the risks I'm taking by travelling to Norway to collect my prize, but I couldn't let this moment pass without being here in person." Machado's speech was met with applause from the crowd, and her appearance has been hailed as a significant moment in the fight for democracy in Venezuela. Machado's Nobel Peace Prize win has been met with controversy in Venezuela, with some critics accusing her of being a pawn in the US's efforts to destabilize the country. However, according to experts, Machado's efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela have been widely recognized, and her Nobel Peace Prize is a testament to her dedication to the cause. As Machado prepares to return to Venezuela, her supporters are calling for her to continue her fight for democracy and freedom in the country. According to sources, Machado plans to continue her work as a vocal critic of the Maduro government, using her platform to promote human rights and democracy in Venezuela. In a statement, the Nobel Committee said, "We are thrilled to see María Corina Machado collect her Nobel Peace Prize in person, and we look forward to continuing to support her work in promoting democracy and human rights in Venezuela." As Machado returns to Venezuela, her supporters are calling for her to continue her fight for democracy and freedom, and her appearance in Oslo has been hailed as a significant moment in the fight for Venezuela's liberation. Background information and context: María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader who has been a vocal critic of the Maduro government. She has been in hiding for over a year, and her appearance in Oslo marks a significant moment in her long fight for democracy and freedom in Venezuela. Machado's Nobel Peace Prize win has been met with controversy in Venezuela, with some critics accusing her of being a pawn in the US's efforts to destabilize the country. Relevant quotes and expert opinions: "I know exactly the risks I'm taking by travelling to Norway to collect my prize, but I couldn't let this moment pass without being here in person." - María Corina Machado, in an interview with the BBC. "We are thrilled to see María Corina Machado collect her Nobel Peace Prize in person, and we look forward to continuing to support her work in promoting democracy and human rights in Venezuela." - Nobel Committee statement. Current status and next steps: Machado is expected to return to Venezuela soon, where she plans to continue her work as a vocal critic of the Maduro government. Her supporters are calling for her to continue her fight for democracy and freedom in the country, and her appearance in Oslo has been hailed as a significant moment in the fight for Venezuela's liberation.