Venezuelan Opposition Leaders Awarded EU's Sakharov Prize

María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia are honored for their fight for democracy and freedom in Venezuela.

The European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize to Venezuelan opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia for their commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
Machado, known for her charismatic leadership, has remained in Venezuela despite threats, while González Urrutia, who fled to Spain, was recognized by the EU as the rightful winner of the disputed presidential election.
The opposition leaders are part of the Democratic Unitary Platform, a coalition striving for a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela, which has faced increasing authoritarianism under President Nicolás Maduro.
Machado was barred from running in the July election, leading González Urrutia to stand in her place; the opposition claims he won with 67% of the vote, though Maduro declared victory.
The Sakharov Prize, the EU's top human rights award, highlights the international community's support for Venezuela's struggle for democracy and freedom.