Venezuela’s top prosecutor informed AFP on Thursday that Maria Corina Machado, a Nobel Prize winner and opposition figure, could be labeled a “fugitive” if she decides to go to Norway to accept the peace award. Machado, who claims she is currently in hiding within Venezuela, has shown her desire to attend the ceremony in Oslo on December 10.
Attorney General Tarek William Saab mentioned that due to Machado’s absence from Venezuela and facing multiple criminal probes, she is deemed a fugitive. Saab stated that she is being accused of various offenses such as conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism. Additionally, Machado is being investigated for her support of the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has deployed a significant military force in the region for anti-drug operations. However, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claims that the true intention is to overthrow his government. Machado has openly welcomed the military presence and supported Washington’s assertion that Maduro leads a drug syndicate.
The boat strike incidents resulting in numerous fatalities in the Caribbean and Pacific have raised concerns. While Machado endorses the U.S. actions, Caracas condemns the deaths as “extrajudicial executions.” In a video shared on social media earlier this week, Machado expressed her belief that Venezuela is on the brink of a new era.
President Trump has made statements suggesting Maduro’s rule is coming to an end and has reportedly sanctioned covert CIA operations in Venezuela.