And The Nobel Peace Prize Doesn’t Go To Trump…

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday.

Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel committee, said the former opposition presidential candidate was praised for being “a key, unifying figure in what was once a deeply divided political opposition – an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government.”

“For the past year, Ms. Machado has had to live in hiding. Despite serious threats to her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize the brave defenders of freedom who stand up and resist.”

Machado’s ally Edmundo González, who lives in exile in Spain, posted a video of himself talking to Machado on the phone.

“I’m in shock,” he said, adding, “I can’t believe it.”

González celebrated Machado’s Nobel victory in a post on

President Nicolás Maduro’s government routinely targeted real or perceived rivals ahead of last year’s presidential election.

Machado, who turns 58 this week, was supposed to run against Maduro, but the government disqualified him. González replaced him. He has never been a candidate before. The election was preceded by widespread repression, including disqualifications, arrests and human rights violations.

Pressure on the opposition increased After the country’s National Electoral Council, filled with Maduro loyalists, declared him the winner despite credible evidence to the contrary.

The election results announced by the Electoral College sparked protests across the country; the government responded with force, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people. It also led to the end of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and various foreign countries, including Argentina.

Machado went into hiding and has not been seen in public since January. A Venezuelan court issued an arrest warrant for González due to the publication of the election results. He went into exile in Spain and was granted asylum.

Last year, Machado and González were awarded the Sakharov Prize, the European Union’s highest human rights honour.

Machado became the 20th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize among the 112 people honored.

There was persistent speculation ahead of the announcement about the possibility of the award going to the US President. Donald Trumpfueled in part by the president himself and this week’s approval of plan For a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Asked about lobbying for and by Trump, Frydnes said: “I think this committee has seen all kinds of campaigning and media attention. Every year we get thousands and thousands of letters from people who want to say what will lead to peace for them.”

“This committee sits in a room full of portraits of all the laureates, and this room is filled with both courage and integrity. We therefore base our decision solely on the work and will of Alfred Nobel.”

last year’s award Nihon HidankyoA grassroots movement of Japanese atomic bomb survivors who have worked for decades to maintain a taboo regarding the use of nuclear weapons.

The Peace Prize is the only award given annually. Nobel Prizes It will be given in Oslo, Norway.

Four of the other awards were presented this week in Stockholm, Sweden. medicine On Monday, physical on tuesday chemical on Wednesday and literature on Thursday. The winner of the award in the economics category will be announced on Monday.

Moulson reported from Berlin and Corder from The Hague, Netherlands.

AP’s Nobel Prizes coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nobel-prizes