A potential information leak regarding the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has prompted an internal inquiry by the Nobel Institute. <b>Kristian Berg Harpviken</b>, the institute’s director and Nobel committee secretary, informed Norwegian media that espionage was “highly likely” to be the cause of any such disclosure. This assessment contrasts with the perspective of Nobel committee chairman <b>Jorgen Watne Frydnes</b>, who expressed disbelief regarding the occurrence of any leaks in the prize’s history.</p> <p>Despite Frydnes’s skepticism, Harpviken confirmed that the institute would investigate the matter and consider tightening security measures as needed. It was noted that Machado had not been identified as a leading contender by experts or media outlets prior to the official announcement. <i>Separately, the office of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed interest in receiving the prize, characterized the decision to award it to Machado as prioritizing “politics over peace.”</i></p> <p style="font-size:14px;color:#666">Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/nobel-peace-prize-leak-highly-likely-caused-by-espionage-machados-odds-soar-overnight-to-73-per-cent-11760237156642.html</p>