The Nobel Peace Prize stays inseparably linked to the individual or organisation that received it, although the medal might be given away, the Norwegian Nobel Committee mentioned after final yr’s winner gave her medal to US President Donald Trump.
Venezuelan opposition chief Maria Corina Machado gave her medal on Thursday to Trump, who thanked her for it. The White Home launched a photograph of Trump and Machado, with Trump holding up a gold-coloured body displaying it, and a White Home official mentioned Trump intends to maintain it.
Machado’s award additionally consists of a diploma and 11 million Swedish crowns (US$1.19 million).
In a press release, the award physique mentioned: “No matter what might occur to the medal, the diploma, or the prize cash, it’s and stays the unique laureate who’s recorded in historical past because the recipient of the prize.
“There aren’t any restrictions within the statutes of the Nobel Basis on what a laureate might do with the medal, the diploma, or the prize cash. Which means a laureate is free to maintain, give away, promote, or donate these things.”
The medal and the diploma are bodily symbols confirming that a person or organisation has been awarded the prize, mentioned the five-strong award committee.
“The prize itself – the honour and recognition – stays inseparably linked to the individual or organisation designated because the laureate by the Norwegian Nobel Committee,” it mentioned.
The committee, which didn’t discuss with Trump and Machado by identify in its assertion, mentioned it doesn’t touch upon a laureate’s statements, choices or actions after the prize is introduced.
It was not the primary time a Nobel laureate has given away the medal. In 1943, Nobel literature laureate Knut Hamsun gave his to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels.
In 2022, Nobel Peace laureate Dmitry Muratov bought his medal for US$100 million to lift cash for the UN Kids’s Fund UNICEF to assist Ukrainian refugee kids.
In 2024, the widow of former UN Secretary-Normal Kofi Annan donated his 2001 Nobel Peace Prize medal and diploma to the UN workplace in Geneva.
Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal in a bid to affect his efforts to form her nation’s political future.
In a social media put up on Thursday night, Trump wrote: “Maria offered me along with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I’ve achieved. Such a beautiful gesture of mutual respect. Thanks Maria!”
Machado, who described the assembly as “wonderful”, mentioned the present was in recognition of what she known as his dedication to the liberty of the Venezuelan folks.
Accompanying textual content with the medal learn: “To President Donald J Trump In Gratitude for Your Extraordinary Management in Selling Peace by way of Power”, and Machado labelled the gesture as a “Private Image of Gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan Individuals.”
Machado’s try to sway Trump got here after he dismissed the thought of putting in her as Venezuela’s chief to interchange the deposed Nicolas Maduro.
Trump overtly campaigned for the prize earlier than Machado was awarded it final month and complained bitterly when he was snubbed.
