BREAKING: Protests are erupting across major Australian cities in response to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States. Hundreds of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, and Perth following the news of Maduro’s capture and subsequent transport to New York under US guard.
The protests began on Sunday evening, with many Australians expressing outrage over what they view as a US-led takeover of Venezuela. In Sydney, protesters waved signs reading, “Hands off Venezuela” and “Down with imperialism,” while in Melbourne, over 150 people gathered at Flinders Street Station, shouting “shame” as speakers condemned the actions against Maduro.
The protests come after US President Donald Trump announced plans to “run the country” until a safe transition is achieved and proposed tapping into Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves. This declaration has ignited fierce debates over US interventionism and the implications for Venezuelan sovereignty.
Demonstrators voiced their support for the Venezuelan people, demanding that the Australian government distance itself from the US administration. One speaker argued that Maduro has been “demonised,” dismissing allegations of election rigging and drug trafficking as propaganda aimed at justifying regime change.
Federal Liberal MP Tim Wilson characterized the situation as “extraordinary,” urging the government to engage with Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd to clarify the US’s future plans. “It felt like watching a movie in real time,” he stated on Nine’s Today show.
Meanwhile, Federal Nationals Leader David Littleproud acknowledged the removal of “an illegitimate, brutal dictator” but emphasized the necessity of respecting Venezuela’s sovereignty. He expressed concern that the situation should not revolve solely around oil and drugs, but rather focus on restoring the country to its people.
Australia is home to over 6,600 Venezuelan-born residents, with the Venezuelan Association of Australia indicating that the diaspora is experiencing complex emotions. Many have endured forced separations and the long-term impacts of authoritarian rule. The association expressed hope for a “free, democratic, and united Venezuela.”
In a statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged all involved parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to avoid escalation. The US has previously accused Maduro’s regime of running a narco-state and rigging the upcoming 2024 elections, claims that have been vehemently denied by Maduro.
As Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has stepped in as acting president, all eyes are now on the Trump administration’s next moves. Observers worldwide are closely monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela, as concerns arise over the implications of US intervention on international relations and regional stability.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
