Norway faced uncertainty on Tuesday as officials cancelled a press briefing due to the unclear whereabouts of the Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado. She was expected to speak in Oslo before receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. However, organisers said they did not know if she would appear. Reporters hoped to see her first public appearance in 11 months.
Machado won the Peace Prize on October 10 for her fight to restore democracy in Venezuela. She challenged President Nicolas Maduro’s rule and accused him of destroying democratic freedoms. She has remained hidden since August 2024. Her last public appearance was in January at a protest in Caracas. Her supporters say she risks arrest if she travels.
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The Venezuelan government has intensified threats against her. Attorney General Tarek William Saab warned that she would be treated as a fugitive if she went to Norway. He accused her of terrorism, conspiracy and inciting hatred. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello also claimed he did not know if she planned to travel. These threats cast doubt on her safety.
Analysts believe her trip could reshape Venezuela’s political future. Georgetown University’s Michael Shifter said she may struggle to lead from exile. He added that returning home also carries extreme danger. Venezuela continues to face deep economic hardship and strong repression. Machado’s absence may slow the movement she inspired.
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Despite the risks, her former campaign manager said the Nobel laureate will not choose exile. Supporters insist she plans to return to Venezuela. They hope the Nobel recognition will strengthen global pressure on Maduro. As the ceremony approaches, the world waits to see if the Nobel laureate appears in Oslo.