Strasbourg, FRANCE: The European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will be awarded to Venezuelan opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, the EU parliament announced on Thursday.
“This parliament stands with the people of Venezuela and with Maria and Edmundo in their struggle for the democratic future of their country,” Metsola said, addressing EU lawmakers.
“This award is for them, and we are confident that Venezuela and democracy will ultimately prevail,” Metsola added. The announcement was met with a standing ovation from EU lawmakers.
Machado was not permitted to run in the disputed July presidential elections as she has for years been banned from holding public office in her country. González ran in her stead before fleeing to Spain after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is widely believed to have beaten President Nicolás Maduro, who refused to stand aside. (DPA)
