Nobel laureate threatened: Leave country to accept award, face 'Fugitive' label

Caracas/Oslo (The Uttam Hindu): A rift has arisen between Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won this year's Nobel Peace Prize, and her government. The Venezuelan government has taken a firm stance on Maria's plans to attend the awards ceremony in Oslo, Norway, on December 10th.

Attorney General's Ultimatum Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab has warned that Maria Machado is facing several serious criminal cases. Saab clearly said, "If she goes out of the country to receive the award, she will be considered a 'fugitive'." The government has charged Maria with serious charges like conspiracy, spreading hatred and terrorism. 58-year-old Maria is currently living in a secret location in Venezuela.

Trump's "anti-drug mission" or a coup attempt? The US's role has also become crucial in this controversy. According to reports, Maria Machado is under scrutiny for supporting the deployment of US military forces in the Caribbean.

US President Donald Trump, in his second term, has tightened his grip on Venezuela by deploying the world's largest aircraft carrier and fighter jets to the Caribbean Sea in the name of an "anti-drug mission." However, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has dismissed this military buildup, claiming that the action is not against drugs but a US plot to topple his government.

Meanwhile, these tensions have escalated into bloody conflict; according to an AFP report, 83 people have been killed so far in US operations against alleged drug boats, which the Maduro government has described as "unlawful killings."