Supporters of Venezuela鈥檚 pro-poor Bolivarian Revolution rallied outside the United States Consulate in Martin Place, in Sydney鈥檚 CBD, on January 23 to demand no US intervention in Venezuela.
They also called for an end to the unfolding right-wing coup attempt against the South American nation鈥檚 president, Nicolas Maduro.
US President Donald Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence have declared that the US no longer recognises Maduro as Venezuela鈥檚 legitimate head of state.
Instead, the White House is endorsing virtually unknown far-right National Assembly leader Juan Guaido as the head of an 鈥渋nterim government鈥.
Several right-wing governments in Latin America and Canada have done the same.
Maduro was officially sworn in as president on January 10 after winning elections last May.
Maduro has responded to the White House statements by breaking diplomatic relations between the two countries and expelling US diplomats currently in Venezuela.
However, the US Department of State has said it will not comply with Maduro鈥檚 announcement and that it will 鈥渢ake appropriate actions to hold accountable anyone who endangers the safety and security of our mission and its personnel.鈥
Speakers at the Sydney rally denounced the escalating US intervention in Venezuela, branding it as just the latest example of its longstanding history of promoting coups and right-wing governments in the region.
They also outlined the gains of the Bolivarian Revolution for the people of Venezuela, despite the recent economic and political problems the country has faced.
Similar protests were also held in Canberra, Melbourne and Perth.