"Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, winning recognition as a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness. The former opposition presidential candidate was lauded for being a key, unifying figure in the once deeply divided opposition to President Nicolas Maduro's government, said Jrgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee."
"In the past year, Ms. Machado has been forced to live in hiding, Watne Frydnes said. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist. He told the AP that the committee was able to reach Machado just before the announcement and it came as a surprise."
"Exiled opposition candidate celebrates Machado's ally, Edmundo Gonzalez, who lives in exile in Spain, posted a short video of himself speaking by phone with Machado. I am in shock, she said, adding, I cannot believe it. Gonzalez celebrated Machado's Nobel win in a post on X, calling it a very well-deserved recognition for the long fight of a woman and of a whole people for our freedom and democracy."
Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize as a symbol of democracy amid growing darkness. She was praised as a unifying figure in the once deeply divided opposition to President Nicolas Maduro. Machado has been forced into hiding during the past year yet remained in the country despite serious threats, inspiring millions. The Nobel committee reached her just before the announcement, which surprised her. Exiled ally Edmundo Gonzalez celebrated the award as recognition for the long fight for freedom and democracy. Maduro's government has routinely targeted opponents, disqualifying candidates and carrying out repression, arrests, and human rights violations around the election.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]