The European Union has awarded its top human rights prize, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, to Venezuelan opposition leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The European Parliament announced the winners, honouring Machado and Gonzalez for representing the people of Venezuela fighting to restore freedom and democracy. Machado initially ran as the democratic opposition candidate in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election but was disqualified by the government. Gonzalez, who had not run for office before, took her place in the election.
Despite the National Electoral Council stating that incumbent President Nicolas Maduro won re-election with 51 percent of the vote, the opposition claimed the results were rigged. They alleged that Maduro had only won 30 percent of the vote and that Gonzalez was the actual victor. Protests erupted, demanding the release of election results by individual polling stations. In response, Maduro’s government launched a brutal crackdown on opposition protesters and leaders, leading many to seek refuge in foreign embassies. Gonzalez was in hiding for a month, seeking refuge at the Dutch embassy in Venezuela before eventually fleeing to Spain in September.
Gonzalez expressed gratitude for Europe’s deep solidarity with the Venezuelan people in awarding them the Sakharov Prize. He emphasized that the struggle for democracy in Venezuela is ongoing and that the regime continues to commit human rights violations and crimes against humanity. Gonzalez called for democrats, both within and outside of Venezuela, to unite in ensuring that the Venezuelan people’s sovereign mandate is respected. The EU award, named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, was created in 1988 to honour individuals or groups who defend human rights and basic freedoms.
The opposition leaders honoured with the Sakharov Prize have been commended for their relentless fight for a free, fair, and peaceful transition of power in Venezuela. They have been fearless in upholding values such as justice, democracy, and the rule of law, which are cherished by millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament. Despite facing adversity and persecution from the Maduro regime, Machado and Gonzalez have remained steadfast in their commitment to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Venezuelan people. The award serves as a recognition of their courage and determination in the face of authoritarianism.
In receiving the Sakharov Prize, Machado and Gonzalez have gained international recognition for their dedication to the cause of democracy in Venezuela. The prize underscores the support and solidarity of the European Union with the Venezuelan people in their ongoing struggle for political change and human rights. By honouring Machado and Gonzalez, the European Parliament sends a powerful message of solidarity and support to all those who continue to fight for freedom and justice in the face of repression and authoritarianism. The plight of the Venezuelan people and their ongoing struggle for democracy is highlighted through this prestigious award, which honours those who risk their lives to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is a symbol of the European Parliament’s commitment to defending human rights and promoting freedom of thought and expression around the world. Through awarding this prize to Machado and Gonzalez, the European Union reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people in their quest for democracy and justice. The courage and resilience of these opposition leaders in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to all those who continue to fight for human rights and democratic values in Venezuela and beyond. The Sakharov Prize stands as a beacon of hope for those who seek to challenge authoritarian regimes and uphold the principles of freedom and democracy.
