A series of demonstrations took place in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, Australia, following reports of US actions in Venezuela, including the reported apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a US strike in Caracas. Protesters expressed opposition to perceived US involvement and called for the Australian government to take a stronger stance, while counter-protesters voiced support for US actions. Police made three arrests in Sydney and removed two individuals in Perth.
Overview of Demonstrations
On Sunday, protests occurred in Sydney and Melbourne, followed by a demonstration in Perth on Monday. These gatherings responded to recent developments in Venezuela, specifically reports of US military operations in Caracas that led to the reported apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Statements attributed to US President Donald Trump regarding US control over Venezuela's oil reserves and potential interventions in other Latin American countries were also cited by demonstrators.
Sydney Protest and Police Action
In Sydney, approximately 300 individuals gathered on George Street on Sunday evening. The protest proceeded despite a public assembly restriction declaration issued by New South Wales (NSW) police. These anti-protest laws, enacted in December following a reported terror incident, grant the state police commissioner authority to prohibit public demonstrations if not formally authorized. Protesters displayed placards with messages such as “Hands off Venezuela” and “Down with imperialism.”
A smaller group of approximately 40 counter-protesters also attended, expressing support for the US actions and displaying images of Maduro marked “captured.”
NSW police reported attending an “unauthorised protest” at approximately 6 PM. Three individuals were arrested:
- A 53-year-old woman was arrested for wearing a shirt described by police as “displaying offensive messaging.”
- Two men, aged 26 and 34, were arrested for alleged breach of the peace.
All three were transported to Day Street police station and released without charges following the conclusion of the protest. Right-wing activist Drew Pavlou claimed on social media that he was one of the arrested men, circulating footage of his removal by police.
Melbourne Rally
In Melbourne, approximately 200 people assembled on the steps of Flinders Street station on Sunday. Participants chanted and displayed banners that read “Release Maduro now! No regime change!” and “No war for oil! Solidarity with the people of Venezuela.” Speakers at the event stated that President Maduro had been “kidnapped” and “demonised,” refuting claims of election rigging and drug trafficking. One speaker characterized the situation as “outright propaganda” designed to garner public acceptance for “regime change” in Venezuela. Protesters called for the Australian government to disassociate from and sanction the US administration. Victoria police reported no incidents at the Melbourne event.
Perth Protest and Political Responses
On Monday, approximately 100 demonstrators gathered outside the US Consulate in Perth, Western Australia. Attendees included members of the Socialist Alliance WA “Hands Off Venezuela” committee and Greens MP Sophie McNeill. Demonstrators called for the immediate return of President Maduro to Venezuela and urged the Australian Government to adopt a stronger stance on the situation. Barry Healy, a committee member of Hands Off Venezuela, criticized the Australian Government for its response. Protesters displayed signs with messages such as, “United States of Anarchy - who’s next?”, “No blood for oil”, and “USA out of Venezuela and Australia. Keep out of Mexico, Greenland, Columbia etc.” Reports indicated that the organizers had not applied for a permit to hold the protest.
Greens MP Sophie McNeill condemned the US actions and described Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s response as “pathetic” and “cowardly.” She argued that the US was violating international law and norms, and emphasized the importance of governments, including Australia's, in condemning such actions to prevent the undermining of international law.
During the Perth protest, two individuals, reportedly supporting the US actions, were removed by police. A WA Police spokeswoman stated that officers would intervene only if an event became unlawful or posed a safety risk, while confirming respect for peaceful protest rights, provided activities are conducted lawfully and with relevant approvals and permits.
Broader Context and Official Statements
The US confirmed it executed a large-scale strike in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, during which President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were reportedly apprehended. A US District Court indictment alleges that President Maduro and other Venezuelan leaders engaged in weapons and drug trafficking offenses over several decades. President Trump has reportedly characterized the Caracas strike as a model for operations in other South American countries. Mr. Maduro is awaiting his initial court appearance in New York.
Australia is home to over 6,600 Venezuelan-born residents and approximately 10,000 people of Venezuelan ancestry, according to the 2021 census. The Venezuelan Association of Australia acknowledged the “complex emotions” within the diaspora, citing experiences of forced separation and authoritarian rule. The association expressed a collective “hope... for a free, democratic and united Venezuela where people can live with dignity, safety and opportunity.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy to prevent escalation, stating that his government is monitoring the situation.