Thousands of people across the globe gathered to show their support for Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as she prepares to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The demonstrations took place in cities such as Madrid, Utrecht, Buenos Aires, and Lima, with marchers carrying portraits of Machado and demanding a "Free Venezuela."
The crowd in Peru's capital, Lima, displayed Machado's image on their shirts and waved flags bearing her name, as they chanted slogans like "The Nobel Prize is from Venezuela." One attendee, Veronica Duran, stated that the award is celebrated because it represents all Venezuelans who have fought for democracy.
Machado has been in hiding since August 2024 and plans to use the attention garnered by the prize to highlight Venezuela's democratic aspirations. Her organization expected demonstrations in over 80 cities worldwide.
In Colombia, supporters of Machado gathered in Bogota wearing white T-shirts and carrying balloons as part of a religious ceremony where they asked for the Nobel Peace Prize to serve as a symbol of hope for the Venezuelan people.
Meanwhile, in Argentina's capital city, Buenos Aires, around 500 people held a torchlit march on the steps of a university law school. One attendee described Machado as "a brave person who has sacrificed herself" and expressed their gratitude for her efforts.
The gatherings come at a critical time for Venezuela, which is facing an ongoing crisis with the US military build-up in the Caribbean threatening to intervene. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has dismissed the operation as an attempt to topple his government.
Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle to achieve democratic transition in Venezuela and had planned to run against Maduro in the 2024 election, but was barred from participating. The opposition leader went into hiding after a court issued a warrant for her arrest. She has since stated that she is prepared to face the challenges ahead.
In an emotional appeal, Machado expressed her determination to keep fighting for democracy and her gratitude for the recognition. "We are living through times when our composure, our conviction and our organisation are being tested," she said in a video message.
The crowd in Peru's capital, Lima, displayed Machado's image on their shirts and waved flags bearing her name, as they chanted slogans like "The Nobel Prize is from Venezuela." One attendee, Veronica Duran, stated that the award is celebrated because it represents all Venezuelans who have fought for democracy.
Machado has been in hiding since August 2024 and plans to use the attention garnered by the prize to highlight Venezuela's democratic aspirations. Her organization expected demonstrations in over 80 cities worldwide.
In Colombia, supporters of Machado gathered in Bogota wearing white T-shirts and carrying balloons as part of a religious ceremony where they asked for the Nobel Peace Prize to serve as a symbol of hope for the Venezuelan people.
Meanwhile, in Argentina's capital city, Buenos Aires, around 500 people held a torchlit march on the steps of a university law school. One attendee described Machado as "a brave person who has sacrificed herself" and expressed their gratitude for her efforts.
The gatherings come at a critical time for Venezuela, which is facing an ongoing crisis with the US military build-up in the Caribbean threatening to intervene. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has dismissed the operation as an attempt to topple his government.
Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle to achieve democratic transition in Venezuela and had planned to run against Maduro in the 2024 election, but was barred from participating. The opposition leader went into hiding after a court issued a warrant for her arrest. She has since stated that she is prepared to face the challenges ahead.
In an emotional appeal, Machado expressed her determination to keep fighting for democracy and her gratitude for the recognition. "We are living through times when our composure, our conviction and our organisation are being tested," she said in a video message.
. On one hand, it's amazing to see so many people from around the world supporting Maria Corina Machado and her fight for democracy in Venezuela 
. I mean, 80+ cities and all that is huge! But at the same time, the situation in Venezuela is super complex and tense 
. The US military build-up is a major concern and Maduro's response doesn't exactly fill me with hope 
. Machado's courage to speak out despite all this is admirable, but I worry about what'll happen next... will she be able to use the Nobel Peace Prize momentum to bring about real change or is it just more of the same? 
Anyway, I guess only time will tell 
.
i mean, 80 cities worldwide? that's massive! what i don't get is why the Venezuelan president is saying it's an attempt to overthrow his government... doesn't that just fuel more protests and unrest? i guess when you're facing a crisis like they are, every little thing can be blown out of proportion 
her message about not giving up on democracy is really inspiring... even if it's just words right now, it's something to hold onto 
she's an inspiration to everyone who believes in democracy and human rights 
for some people, it might be a symbol of hope but for machado, it's probably just another obstacle to overcome. and whats with all these demonstrations? r they really doin that 4 her or its just a symbolic gesture? anywayz, it shows how much ppl care about venezuelas future 
like she's not just fighting for herself, she's fighting for EVERYONE who wants democracy. and honestly, it gives me hope that maybe change can happen soon 
i mean, the us military build-up is super concerning, but at least people are speaking out & demanding change 
even if machado doesn't receive the prize in person, she'll still use it to raise awareness for her cause & inspire others to get involved 
i mean i know machado has been hiding for ages but it's amazing to see people all around the world showing their support for her and venezuela 
she's literally risking everything to fight for democracy and freedom and i am seriously inspired by her 
and can you believe it's the nobel peace prize? 
fingers crossed she wins and brings about real change for venezuela 
and honestly, i'm super inspired by her conviction & bravery 
She's a total hero, and I love how she's not backing down despite everything.