The lead-up to the election saw significant human rights violations, including disqualifications and arrests, which forced Machado into hiding and led to an arrest warrant for González.

Following a detention order, González fled Venezuela in September and is currently living in exile in Spain, where he has claimed political asylum.

Machado's group claims that González won the contested presidential election on July 28, but the national electoral commission declared Maduro the victor amid allegations of electoral fraud.

Despite being favored in uncertain elections, Maduro was re-elected with over 51% of the votes, a result that has been widely disputed by the opposition and independent observers.

In a related development, former oil minister Colonel Pedro Tellechea was arrested in Caracas, accused of serious crimes against the nation's interests, further illustrating the ongoing political turmoil.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will be awarded this year to Venezuelan opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia for their courageous fight for freedom and democracy.

This prestigious award, established in 1988, recognizes individuals and organizations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms, accompanied by a monetary prize of €50,000.

The selection of Machado and González for the Sakharov Prize was proposed by the Portuguese and Spanish delegations of the European People's Party (EPP), highlighting their significant efforts against Nicolás Maduro's regime.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola praised both Machado and González for their unwavering commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law in the face of adversity in Venezuela.

Metsola emphasized that the winners have fought tirelessly for a peaceful power transition and have defended the values cherished by millions of Venezuelans.

The political climate in Venezuela has been marked by severe repression, with recent protests following a disputed presidential election resulting in at least 25 fatalities and over 2,000 arrests, as reported by the United Nations.

The Sakharov Prize ceremony is scheduled for December 18, symbolizing hope for a populace striving for freedom and a democratic future.