We’re happy to report that María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s preeminent opposition politician and activist, was able to make her escape. She had amazing support from the US folk, the Grey Bull based rescue team. Early this past December, a brave mission took place. Grey Bull documented those harrowing extraction efforts in a short video, which has now received worldwide public acclaim. Machado’s escape was instrumental to her future plans. Her first desire was to be able to go to Norway and accept her Nobel Peace Prize and see her family again.
After nearly a year of living in hiding due to political persecution, Machado boarded a boat off the Venezuelan coast. She sailed to a remote, prearranged rendezvous point in the Caribbean Sea, where Grey Bull’s crew was prepared to receive her once she arrived. Bryan Stern, the head of the operation, told us some great news. Their team has flown more than 800 rescue missions across the country!
Machado landed ashore in the early morning hours, after a dangerous, tense trek. Boarding the plane after all that was just her first day. Her breakout is the most important moment in her evolution as a character. It serves to shine a light on the continued struggle for democracy in Venezuela.
Indeed, considering the dangers of her escape, Machado told reporters earlier this year that she had been protected by the US government. She stopped short of disclosing specific information on the help, saying that it could endanger those who provided it.
Ryan Stern, the extraction operation manager, reversed course on funding for the extraction effort, saying it was funded by unnamed donors. He noted that, as far as he knew, Grey Bull’s mission was not funded directly by the US government. He understood the power of storytelling. His team made a consistent and real-time effort to inform the US military on their maritime disposition while conducting the operation at sea.
“Hi, María. My name is Bryan. Nice to meet you. I got you,” – Bryan Stern
Grey Bull produced a short video that documents the dramatic events of Machado’s extraction. It illustrates the enormous danger associated with these courageous missions. Her extraordinary journey stands as a testament to a profound personal triumph. It draws attention to the pervasive issues of political oppression and human rights violations in Venezuela.
