Controversial Aussie dramatically arrested at ‘Hands off Venezuela’ protest following kidnapping of socialist chief by the US
Activist Drew Pavlou has been arrested by police after counter-protesting at a rally against the United States’ military action in Venezuela against its President Nicolás Maduro.
There was a moderate turnout of a few dozen at the ‘Hands off Venezuela’ protest held in Sydney on Sunday evening, which had been promoted by socialist groups Red Spark and Green Left.
Pavlou shared a picture of himself to social media, understood to have been taken just before the protest, holding a placard which read, ‘cry more commie scum’.
Pavlou alleged riot squad police had hurt his arm during his brief arrest.
‘I got arrested for holding an anti-communist sign at the pro-Maduro communist rally in Sydney I chanted ‘USA’ as I was arrested, cops put me in stress position,’ he said.
‘They came pretty close to breaking my arm. Released after 40 minutes custody.’
He claimed he had briefly gone to the emergency department but left when he was told it would be an hours-long wait for a consult.
The rally was one of a number held in Australia to protest US President Donald Trump sending military teams to kidnap the Venezuelan president and his wife.
Activist Drew Pavlou was arrested for 40 minutes at the ‘Hands off Venezuela’ protest held in Sydney on Sunday evening
The protest was promoted by socialist groups Red Spark and Green Left
Protesters at the rally (left) and Pavlou during his arrest (right)
Along with Pavlou there were also Venezuelan supporters of the Opposition who counter-protested by celebrating Maduro’s capture
The was a heavy police turnout, including riot officers, for the small protest
Maduro is the leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, though the US alleges he is corrupt and is the leader of the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) drug trafficking operation.
He and his wife are being held in New York where it is expected they will be put through the US judicial system.
NSW Police previously said the ‘Hands off Venezuela’ protest had not been approved.
‘Any assembly planned in support of Venezuela is not authorised and without this authorisation the event is not legally protected as an authorised assembly,’ a spokesperson said.
‘The NSW Police Force will have a large presence throughout the Sydney metropolitan area on January 4, 2026, and will be present at Town Hall during the afternoon and evening to monitor and police this potential assembly.
‘Anyone planning to attend any unauthorised events is urged to reconsider.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Police and Drew Pavlou for comment.
