Daughter of absent Peace Prize laureate Machado accepts Nobel on her behalf • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Maria Corina Machado: Venezuelan opposition leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner.
• Travel Ban: Imposed by Venezuelan authorities, preventing Machado from leaving the country.
• Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony: Awarded to Machado for her efforts in uniting Venezuelans.
• Machado's Daughter: Accepted the prize on her mother's behalf in Oslo.
• "Living in Heaven": Metaphor used by Machado's daughter to describe her mother's period of hiding.

Maria Corina Machado's Absence from Nobel Ceremony and Arrival in Oslo

Nobel Peace Prize winner and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is confirmed to be safe and en route to Oslo. However, she was unable to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony on the day of the announcement. This information was conveyed in a statement released by the Nobel Institute. Machado has been under a decade-long travel ban imposed by the Venezuelan authorities and had spent over a year in hiding.

Acceptance of the Prize and Daughter's Statement

Machado's daughter attended the ceremony in Oslo and accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her mother's behalf. During her address, she stated, "I am here on behalf of my mother, Maria Korina Machado, who has united millions of Venezuelans in an extraordinary effort that you, our hosts, have honored with a Nobel Peace Prize." She further emphasized her mother's commitment, saying, "But although she has not been able to be here and take part in this ceremony, I must say that my mother never breaks a promise." The daughter concluded with the joyful announcement, "And that is why with all the joy in my heart, I can tell you that in just a few hours, we will be able to embrace her here in Oslo after 16 months living in heaven."

Context of the Travel Ban and Hiding

The transcript highlights the significant restrictions faced by Maria Corina Machado, including a ten-year travel ban. Her period of hiding for over a year underscores the severity of the political climate and the challenges she has faced in her opposition activities. The phrase "living in heaven" used by her daughter is a poignant metaphor for the difficult and concealed circumstances Machado endured.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The core takeaway from this transcript is the dual narrative of recognition and restriction. Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership in uniting Venezuelans, a testament to her significant impact. Simultaneously, she remains under a severe travel ban, preventing her physical presence at the award ceremony. Her daughter's acceptance speech and the announcement of Machado's imminent arrival in Oslo signify a moment of triumph and a step towards overcoming these imposed limitations, albeit after a prolonged period of hardship and hiding. The event underscores the ongoing struggle for political freedom and recognition within Venezuela.