Protests erupted in major Australian cities over the weekend, with demonstrators condemning the Trump administration's military intervention in Venezuela and the reported forcible removal of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces.
Arrests in Sydney Under Controversial Laws
In Sydney, three people were arrested during an unauthorised demonstration on Sunday evening. Approximately 300 people gathered on George Street, defying a New South Wales police prohibition on public assemblies enacted in late December. This ban utilises laws passed following the alleged terror attack at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people.
The legislation grants the state police commissioner power to issue a "public assembly restriction declaration" after a suspected terrorist incident. It prevents protests from being authorised, leaving participants open to prosecution for obstructing people or traffic.
Police stated a 53-year-old woman was arrested for wearing a shirt with "offensive messaging," while two men, aged 26 and 34, were detained for an alleged breach of the peace. All three were taken to Day Street Police Station and released without charge at the protest's conclusion.
Nationwide Demonstrations for Venezuelan Sovereignty
The Sydney event was one of several held nationwide. In Melbourne, around 200 people packed the steps of Flinders Street Station, chanting "shame" and brandishing banners with slogans like "Release Maduro now! No regime change!" and "No war for oil!".
Speakers at the Melbourne rally accused Western media of demonising Maduro and dismissed claims of election rigging and drug trafficking. "It is the clearest cut case of outright propaganda, and its main role is to soften ordinary people to the idea of regime change in Venezuela," one speaker told the crowd.
Protesters expressed solidarity with Venezuelans and demanded the Australian government cut ties and sanction the US administration. Victoria Police reported no incidents at the Melbourne event.
A Divided Diaspora and Government Response
The protests revealed a split within the community. Alongside the main anti-intervention groups, a small contingent of Venezuela's opposition supporters celebrated the US action, waving the Venezuelan flag and brandishing images of Maduro labelled "captured." Right-wing agitator Drew Pavlou claimed on social media to be one of those arrested in Sydney, sharing footage of him chanting pro-US slogans before being led away by police.
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 said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation as his government monitors the volatile situation.
