Protests erupted in major Australian cities over the weekend, with hundreds taking to the streets to condemn the Trump administration's military intervention in Venezuela and the reported forcible removal of President Nicolás Maduro.
Arrests in Sydney Amid Unauthorised Demonstration
In Sydney, three people were arrested during an unauthorised protest on Sunday evening. Approximately 300 people gathered on George Street, defying a New South Wales police prohibition on public demonstrations enacted after the Bondi beach terror attack in late December.
The anti-protest laws grant the police commissioner power to issue a public assembly restriction declaration following a declared terrorist incident, preventing protests from being formally authorised. Police stated they attended the event, which included around 250 protesters and 40 counter-protesters.
A 53-year-old woman was arrested for wearing a shirt with allegedly offensive messaging. Two men, aged 26 and 34, were arrested for an alleged breach of the peace. All three were taken to Day Street Police Station and released without charge at the conclusion of the event.
Right-wing agitator Drew Pavlou claimed on social media to be one of those arrested, sharing footage of him being led away by police after chanting pro-US slogans among the crowd.
Nationwide Condemnation of US Actions
The Sydney event was part of a coordinated national response. In Melbourne, about 200 people packed the steps of Flinders Street Station, brandishing banners with slogans like "Release Maduro now! No regime change!" and "No war for oil!".
Speakers addressed the crowd, labelling Maduro's removal a "kidnapping" and criticising what they called propaganda aimed at justifying regime change. The protesters demanded the Australian government cut ties with and sanction the US administration. Victoria Police reported no incidents at the Melbourne gathering.
The protests were sparked by news that US forces had removed Maduro and claims from President Donald Trump that the US would seize direct control of Venezuela and its vast oil reserves.
Diaspora Reaction and Government Response
Australia is home to a significant Venezuelan community, with over 6,600 Venezuelan-born residents and about 10,000 people of Venezuelan ancestry according to the 2021 census. The Venezuelan Association of Australia acknowledged the complex emotions within the diaspora, many of whom have experienced exile and separation.
"In moments like this, our shared hope remains for a free, democratic, and united Venezuela where people can live with dignity, safety and opportunity," the association stated.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation, with his government closely monitoring the volatile situation.
