Three people were arrested in Sydney on Sunday evening during a protest against US military intervention in Venezuela, including a woman wearing a jacket reading 'globalise the intifada'. About 300 people attended the demonstration despite a New South Wales police prohibition on public demonstrations, enacted under laws passed after a suspected terror attack at Bondi Beach.
The 53-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly wearing a shirt 'displaying offensive messaging'. Footage shows her in discussion with police before being led away. A NSW parliamentary inquiry is currently investigating whether to ban phrases such as 'globalise the intifada' under new hate speech laws.
Two men, aged 26 and 34, were also arrested for alleged breach of the peace. All three were released without charge after the protest. Right-wing activist Drew Pavlou claimed on social media he was one of those arrested.
The protest was one of several across Australian cities condemning US actions in Venezuela, following reports that US forces had removed President Nicolás Maduro and claims by Donald Trump that the US would seize control of the country and its oil reserves. Protesters waved placards reading 'Hands off Venezuela' and 'Down with imperialism'.
In Melbourne, about 200 people gathered at Flinders Street station, chanting 'shame' and holding banners demanding Maduro's release. Speakers denounced the US intervention as propaganda aimed at regime change.
