Venezuela Opposition Leader Blocked from Returning Home Three Times in 24 Hours, Says Team

POLICY WIRE — Caracas, Venezuela — The head of Venezuela’s opposition movement, María Corina Machado, was once again denied entry into the South American nation within a 24-hour window, according to a party source. Machado, who received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has been barred from returning since being secretly evacuated to Norway in December by a U.S. private team.

The opposition leader has faced repeated obstacles in attempting to return to Venezuela, including during the aftermath of the June 24 earthquakes that caused widespread destruction. Her most recent effort to re-enter the country was reportedly hindered by air travel restrictions, sudden flight cancellations, and mechanical issues, as reported by Colombian broadcaster NTN24 and Spanish outlet ABC.

Machado has not been included in U.S.-backed transition talks between the interim Venezuelan government and parts of the opposition, though she has stated she will not interfere with the process. The country has seen increased repression following Nicolas Maduro’s disputed re-election in July 2024, although tensions have eased since his arrest in a U.S. operation in January.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)