Venezuelan Nobel Laureate Discusses Risks of Oslo Trip After Months in Hiding in BBC Interview
In a recent interview with BBC, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado spoke about the challenges she faced in traveling to Oslo to receive her Nobel prize. Her trip was shrouded in secrecy due to fears for her safety, given the Maduro regime’s threats against her.
Risks of Traveling to Oslo
Machado described the Venezuelan government’s actions as oppressive. Since the last presidential elections, where President Nicolás Maduro secured a controversial third term, many view his administration as illegitimate. The elections were widely criticized for lacking fairness and transparency.
Threats from the Maduro Government
- Machado has been labeled a terrorist by the government.
- She faces potential arrest for protesting against election results.
- The attorney general warned that traveling to Norway could result in her being considered a fugitive.
Her disguise was necessary to navigate the ten military checkpoints on her route out of Venezuela. Reports indicate she escaped by sailing from a coastal village on a wooden skiff. The escape plan took two months to organize, supported by a network helping Venezuelans flee oppression.
International Support
During her BBC interview, Machado confirmed receiving assistance from the U.S. government, although details about the extent of aid were not disclosed. She emphasized the risks involved in her journey, remarking, “Leaving Venezuela today, in these circumstances, is very, very dangerous.”
Acknowledging Sacrifices
Machado expressed gratitude, stating, “I’m here because many men and women risked their lives for my arrival in Oslo.” Her comments underscore the dire situation faced by political dissidents in Venezuela and highlight the urgent need for international awareness and support.
As she prepares for the Nobel ceremony, Machado’s story stands as a poignant reminder of the struggles for democracy and human rights in Venezuela.
