Venezuela Calls Maria Machado Fugitive Over Nobel Peace Prize Trip

Venezuelan authorities have warned opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado that she could be considered a "fugitive" if she travels to Norway to attend the Nobel ceremony on December 10. Machado, who says she is currently in hiding in Venezuela, has expressed her intention to travel to Oslo to receive the award.

Attorney General Tarek William Saab stated that Machado is under multiple criminal investigations, including allegations of conspiracy, inciting hatred, and terrorism. Machado is also being investigated for supporting the deployment of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean, which Caracas claims are intended to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro’s government.

The U.S. has mobilized its largest aircraft carrier, warships, and fighter jets in the Caribbean for anti-drug operations. Machado has publicly supported this military presence, claiming that Maduro leads a drug cartel, while the Venezuelan government has called strikes against alleged drug boats “extrajudicial executions,” which have reportedly resulted in at least 83 deaths.

In a recent video, Machado described Venezuela as being “on the threshold of a new era” and reaffirmed her stance against Maduro’s government. Venezuelan authorities maintain that if Machado leaves the country while under investigation, she would be considered a fugitive and could face legal action.

The situation has added tension to an already strained political environment in Venezuela, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the government and opposition leaders. Machado’s decision to attend the Nobel ceremony remains uncertain amid these warnings.