Why WikiLeaks founder Assange is suing Nobel Peace Prize panel
What's the story
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has filed a criminal complaint in Sweden against members of the Nobel Foundation. The complaint is in response to the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Assange's legal action accuses around 30 individuals, including Nobel Foundation chair Astrid Soderbergh Widding and executive director Hanna Stjarne, of serious economic crimes and facilitating war crimes.
Legal basis
Assange accuses Nobel Foundation of breaching Alfred Nobel's will
The complaint was filed with Sweden's Economic Crime Authority and War Crimes Unit. It seeks to prevent the release of over $1 million that Machado is due to receive as part of her award. Assange argues this disbursement goes against Alfred Nobel's 1895 will, which states the Peace Prize should go to those who "conferred the greatest benefit to humankind" by promoting fraternity and peace.
Accusations detailed
Assange alleges Machado incited US military intervention
Assange's complaint also alleges that Machado has incited the Trump administration to escalate its actions against Venezuela. He claims her public support for President Donald Trump and military actions contribute to war crimes. The complaint cites a precedent from 2018 when Nobel Foundation officials withheld disbursements, arguing they are legally obligated to do so again in this case.
Legal argument
Assange invokes Rome Statute in Nobel complaint
Assange's filing also invokes Article 25(3)(c) of the Rome Statute, arguing continued disbursement of Nobel funds could facilitate aggression and war crimes. He asks Swedish authorities to seize internal records, interrogate senior officials, and either pursue a domestic investigation or refer the matter to the International Criminal Court. The complaint concludes with a warning that without intervention, "the Nobel Peace Prize be permanently converted from an instrument of peace into an instrument of war."