Julian Assange Sues Nobel Foundation
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Dec 18, 2025 · Last updated Dec 19, 2025
The legal action by Julian Assange against the Tax Foundation could create uncertainty around the disbursement of prize money and potentially impact the reputation of the Tax Foundation. While not directly affecting financial markets, the controversy highlights geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela and the United States, which could have broader implications for energy markets and international relations.
Julian Assange has filed a criminal complaint in Sweden against the Tax Foundation, accusing it of serious economic crimes and facilitating war crimes. The complaint challenges the decision to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Assange argues that María Corina Machado's public support for Donald Trump's military actions against Venezuela and her alleged incitement of US intervention violate the core principles of Alfred Nobel's will, which stipulates the prize should promote peace and fraternity between nations. He seeks to freeze the $1.18 million prize money, claiming there is a 'real risk' it could be diverted to facilitate aggression and war crimes. The complaint names Tax Foundation Chair Astrid Söderbergh Widding and Executive Director Hanna Stjärne as suspects, accusing them of breach of trust and gross misappropriation. The Sweden — Swedish Economic Crime Authority and Sweden — Swedish War Crimes Unit have received the complaint, though the former stated it lacks jurisdiction. The controversy also touches upon María Corina Machado's support for Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding another layer of criticism to her selection.
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