María Corina Machado Promises to Fight for Freedom

Opposition leader María Corina Machado vows to tirelessly fight for freedom after receiving the Sakharov Prize from the European Parliament, recognizing those who seek liberty in Venezuela.


María Corina Machado Promises to Fight for Freedom

María Corina Machado, the opposition leader of Venezuela, has stated that she will continue to fight tirelessly for the value of the Sakharov Prize awarded by the European Parliament for freedom of conscience. She considers this recognition a tribute to all those "persecuted" who defend their ideas and seek freedom in Venezuela. After Nicolás Maduro was proclaimed the winner of the presidential election on July 28, the majority opposition denounced fraud in the results.

In a statement, Machado expressed her admiration and gratitude to Venezuelans, whom she considers comrades on a path of pain and growth since the presidential elections. In light of government threats and accusations over the violence generated during the post-election crisis, the opposition leader remains in an undisclosed location in Venezuela.

María Corina Machado shares the Sakharov Prize with Edmundo González Urrutia, recognized by the European Parliament as the elected president of Venezuela. González Urrutia has been in exile in Spain since September 8. Machado highlighted the bravery and integrity of González Urrutia, assuring that both will continue to fight relentlessly.

The opposition leader considers this award dedicated to those persecuted, separated from their families, or imprisoned by tyranny in Venezuela. She emphasized the 1,936 individuals classified as political prisoners in the country, the majority detained during protests or government operations after the elections. Despite Maduro's proclamation and backing by the Supreme Court of Justice, the result has not been endorsed by various institutions nor recognized by numerous countries.

The majority opposition has published electoral records that aim to demonstrate González Urrutia's victory in the elections, which the government has denied as false. Both María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia remain steadfast in their struggle for freedom and democracy in Venezuela.