Venezuelan Leaders Awarded Sakharov Prize for Democracy

The European Parliament has awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Venezuelan opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González for their efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela. Machado, initially the opposition candidate for Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election, was disqualified by the government, leading González to take her place. Despite allegations of electoral fraud with claims that González won the election, incumbent President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner amidst widespread international skepticism, including from the United Nations. The award highlights the European Parliament's support for democracy and human rights in Venezuela, recognizing the recipients' bravery in facing government repression. Both leaders have faced significant personal risk, with González seeking asylum in Spain and Machado going into hiding. This distinction underscores the EU's solidarity with the Venezuelan people in their struggle for a democratic future.