In a momentous occasion in Oslo, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado delivered a powerful speech upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, casting a critical eye on the repressive Maduro regime. Her words were both a denunciation of Venezuela’s current leadership and a nod to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which she credited for her presence at the prestigious event.

Machado’s journey to Oslo is a testament to the dangerous realities faced by those opposing Nicolás Maduro’s government. The oppressive nature of the regime is well-documented, and it is a certainty, not a mere possibility, that anyone assisting Machado could face severe repercussions. The Maduro administration is notorious for its harsh treatment of dissenters and its brutal enforcement of power.

In her speech, Machado emphasized the critical role of international pressure in shaping Venezuela’s future. She acknowledged the efforts of the Trump administration, highlighting its significant pressure on Maduro, which she believes could be pivotal in bringing about change. Her remarks underscored the importance of global solidarity and decisive action in the fight for democracy in Venezuela.

Asked about the circumstances in which she left Venezuela and whether she benefited from help from US authorities, the opposition leader responded: “Yes, we did get support from the United States’ government.”

“I cannot give details, because these are people that could be harmed,” Machado said of those who aided her travel. “Certainly, the regime would have done everything to prevent me from coming. They did not know where I was in hiding in Venezuela, so it was hard for them to stop me.”

It seems certain, given the nature of the Maduro regime, to note that the people who aided Machado’s travel would be harmed, never mind “could be.” There’s no need for tentative language here; the Maduro regime has a well-established and well-deserved reputation for brutality.

Speaking in Oslo, the Venezuelan opposition leader also said:

“And I know that you will also be back in Venezuela very soon, we’re going to show the world that we do not only deserve this Nobel Prize, but that this generation will outlast what is going on,” she added.

The government of Nicolás Maduro warned she would be considered a “fugitive” by authorities should she leave Venezuela.

Machado said that she has met many Venezuelans on the streets in Oslo on Thursday, including people who told her “they are preparing their bags to come back home to build a nation that will be so proud.”

That all will depend on what becomes of Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration, as we have been reporting, is putting some serious pressure on the Venezuelan dictator.