Venezuelan opposition leader and pro-democracy campaigner Maria Corina Machado has won the Nobel Peace Prize.
The committee chose her for “tireless work promoting democratic rights… and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy”.
It said she had resisted death threats in her fight against President Nicolas Maduro – widely considered a dictator who’s cheated elections.
“When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognise courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist,” it added.
The Nobel committee said Ms Machado had been forced into hiding but had stayed in Venezuela, calling it a “choice that has inspired millions of people”.
“Democracy depends on people who refuse to stay silent, who dare to step forward despite grave risk,” it said.
There was speculation Donald Trump had an outside chance of winning.
Presidents, peace deals and how to win a Nobel prize
Nobel Prize winner learnt of award off-grid – and thought his startled wife had seen a bear
British scientist among Nobel prize winners for quantum research
Although his deal on a Gaza ceasefire was only agreed this week, the president previously said he had stopped seven wars – claims many have taken issue with.
Mr Trump commented at the UN last month that “everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize” – and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said in July he had put the president’s name forward.
Nina Graeger, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, told Sky News the Gaza deal had probably come too late for this year’s award.
However, she said if it led to “a lasting and sustainable peace… the committee would almost certainly have to take that into serious consideration in next year’s deliberations”.



