Machado Nobel Peace Prize Protests

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado demonstrated worldwide to commemorate her Nobel Peace Prize win. The demonstrations highlight Venezuela's democratic aspirations amidst a protracted crisis. María Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle for democratic transition, but was barred from running in the presidential election against Nicolás Maduro. The election saw widespread repression, and Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner by the Venezuela — National Electoral Council (Venezuela) despite evidence to the contrary. The gatherings also coincide with a massive military deployment by the United States in the Caribbean, which Nicolás Maduro perceives as an effort to end his hold on power. Edmundo González, who replaced María Corina Machado on the ballot, sought asylum in Spain after an arrest warrant was issued against him. María Corina Machado has been in hiding since January 9.