Julian Assange Challenges Nobel Award to Venezuelan Opposition Leader

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has officially lodged a criminal complaint in Sweden against the Nobel Foundation, objecting to their decision to award this year’s Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Assange argues that this recognition is a blatant misappropriation of funds and could potentially facilitate war crimes, a serious accusation under Swedish law.

Assange’s Claims and Legal Action

In his complaint, filed on Wednesday, Assange asserts that the Nobel Prize awarded to Machado represents a “gross misappropriation” of funds. He further seeks to freeze approximately 11 million Swedish kronor (equivalent to $1.18 million) designated as prize money before it can be transferred to her.

Controversial Awarding of the Prize

Machado was given the Nobel Peace Prize in October for her commitment to promoting democratic rights and efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. However, Assange’s complaint includes accusations against 30 individuals affiliated with the Nobel Foundation, including its leadership. He alleges these individuals have engaged in misappropriation of funds, facilitated war crimes, and financed acts of aggression.

Assange contends that by awarding the prize to Machado, a tool meant for peace was turned into a vehicle for war. He claims that she has incited and endorsed international crimes as the U.S. applies military pressure on Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro to resign.

The Controversy Surrounding Machado

Machado’s selection has not been without its detractors. Her strong support for Israel amid its ongoing conflict in Gaza has sparked criticism, particularly following a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly after her Nobel award was announced. She has voiced her intention to relocate Venezuela’s embassy in Israel to Jerusalem should she assume office.

Moreover, Machado has openly backed former President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance against Maduro, positioning herself alongside right-wing figures in the administration. Trump officials argue that Maduro maintains connections with drug trafficking organizations that threaten U.S. national security—a claim that has raised eyebrows among some in the intelligence community. This has led to numerous military actions ordered by Trump against vessels accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, resulting in significant casualties.

Assange’s Justification for the Complaint

Assange stated that Machado’s collaboration with Trump’s military campaign fundamentally disqualifies her from deserving such an award. He referenced Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will, which stipulates that the Peace Prize should be bestowed upon those who “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind” through efforts fostering “fraternity between nations.”

WikiLeaks has issued warnings about the potential misuse of the funds awarded to Machado, stating that there is a “real risk” that such money could be redirected to support aggression and war crimes. While the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a Norwegian committee in Oslo, Assange argues that the Swedish foundation should bear financial responsibility.

Julian Assange’s Background

Assange founded WikiLeaks in 2006 and gained global attention in 2010 after disclosing classified information from former U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. In 2012, he sought refuge at Ecuador’s embassy in London to evade extradition to Sweden due to allegations of sexual assault, which were eventually dropped. He remained there for seven years before being imprisoned in London’s high-security Belmarsh prison from 2019 until 2024 while facing U.S. extradition requests related to charges of hacking. Following a plea deal, he was released in 2024 and returned to Australia.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Maria Corina Machado illustrates deep divisions in international politics, particularly concerning Venezuela. Assange’s legal challenge reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the recognition of individuals linked to contentious political actions.