Venezuela's Machado Honored with Nobel Peace Prize in Daughter's Emotional Acceptance

In a speech written by Machado, Sosa emphasized her mother's commitment to fighting for freedom, saying, "We must be willing to fight for freedom." The speech was met with applause from the audience, which included dignitaries and Nobel laureates from around the world. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, told the ceremony that "María Corina Machado has done everything in her power to be able to attend the ceremony here." Machado's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for her efforts to promote democratic governance and human rights in Venezuela, a country plagued by economic crisis, food shortages, and authoritarian rule. The Norwegian Nobel committee recognized Machado's work as a leader of the Venezuelan opposition, who has faced harassment, intimidation, and imprisonment for her activism. Machado's absence from the ceremony was a stark reminder of the risks faced by critics of the Venezuelan government. The country's authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, has cracked down on opposition leaders and activists, often using violence and intimidation to silence dissent. Machado's own detention in January was a sign of the government's willingness to use force against its opponents. The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony was attended by dignitaries and Nobel laureates from around the world, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, who was awarded the prize in 2009. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Venezuelan opposition, who traveled to Oslo to show their support for Machado and her work. As the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony came to a close, Sosa delivered a message from her mother, emphasizing the importance of continued activism and resistance in the face of oppression. "We must be willing to fight for freedom," Sosa said, quoting her mother's speech. The message was met with applause and cheers from the audience, which included many who have been inspired by Machado's courage and determination.