Venezuela's Opposition Leader Faces Arrest Over Nobel Prize Plans

Fri Nov 21 2025 15:50:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

María Corina Machado, the recently named Nobel Peace Prize laureate, risks becoming a fugitive if she attempts to collect her award in Norway, according to Venezuelan authorities. Attorney General Tarik William Saab has accused her of conspiracy and terrorism.

María Corina Machado, an influential figure in Venezuela's opposition, has been warned by the country's attorney general that she will be treated as a fugitive if she travels to Norway to collect her Nobel Peace Prize. Saab cited accusations of conspiracy and terrorism against Machado, who has remained in hiding due to fears of arrest. Recognized for her efforts towards a peaceful democratic transition, Machado’s situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the Venezuelan government and its opposition.

Venezuela's Opposition Leader Faces Arrest Over Nobel Prize Plans

Matt Spivey

Getty Images María Corina Machado, a lady with brown hair and wearing a white t-shirt holds a microphone with flowers as a crowd stands behind her. — María Corina Machado has been in hiding since the start of the year

Venezuela's opposition leader will be considered a fugitive if she travels to Norway to collect her Nobel Peace Prize, the nation's attorney general has stated.

Tarik William Saab told Agence France Presse that María Corina Machado - who has been living in hiding to avoid arrest - was accused of acts of conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism.

The 58-year-old was named as the prestigious prize's recipient in October, recognized for her commitment to a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

Machado has long criticized President Nicolás Maduro's government, deeming it criminal and urging Venezuelans to unite against it.

Previously barred from participating in last year's presidential elections, she remains a significant figure in the opposition, rallying support despite government efforts to suppress dissent.

The Nobel Committee praised Machado as one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times. Her situation underscores the ongoing struggles within Venezuela and the government’s crackdown on those who oppose it.