Perth Venezuela protest: At least two opposing protesters forcibly removed from unauthorised rally in Perth

At least two demonstrators —who were opposing a rally against the US attack on Venezuela — have been forcibly removed from the Perth protest on Monday.

Nearly 100 demonstrators — including the Socialist Alliance WA “Hands Off Venezuela” committee and Greens MP Sophie McNeill — rallied outside the US Consulate in the CBD on Monday evening in a bid to express its dismay at the daring military operation in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas.

The US confirmed it had executed a large-scale strike across the city, during which it captured the country’s President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia Flores.

Hands Off Venezuela committee member Barry Healy described the US’ actions as “absolutely outrageous”, and condemned the Australian Government for not taking a stronger stance and standing for Venezuela.

“We want President Maduro of Venezuela to be returned to Venezuela immediately, and we want the Australian Government to take a strong stand about what’s going on,” he said.

“It’s absolutely outrageous that Australia should make milksop statements about what’s happening in Venezuela.

“If Australia is really an ally of the United States, then Australia should be able to stand up and actually tell the United States when they’re doing the wrong thing.”

Mr Healy said the US needed to “get its claws out of Latin America”.

“(President Trump) is also talking about invading Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, even Greenland,” he said.

“You may as well get a map of the world, put it on the wall and throw a dark at it — that’s where the United States is going to be (invading) next, it’s ridiculous.”

There was a strong police presence outside the US Consulate, with officers escorting two female opposing demonstrators — believed to be in support of the US’ invasion — after becoming aggressively vocal and shouting at protesters.

A WA Police spokeswoman said police were aware of the protest, warning officers “will only intervene if an event becomes unlawful or presents a risk to the safety of the community.”

“The WA Police Force respects the right of individuals to peacefully protest and express their views, as long as that protest activity is conducted in a lawful manner,” the spokeswoman said.

“Any protest in WA requires the relevant approvals, permits for road closures, events on a road from the local council and Main Roads.”

Protestors were seen holding signs which read, “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.”

The West understands the organisers have not applied for a permit to hold the protest.

Ms McNeill condemned the invasion and described Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s response as “pathetic” and “cowardly”.

“Anyone with half a brain can see that the US is now clearly a rogue state breaking international law and breaking all global norms, left, right and centre to carry out their imperial and genocidal aims,” she said.

“If governments, like the Albanese Government, do not speak out, do not immediately and urgently condemn these actions, if there are no consequences, what world are we creating? What are we saying Australia stands for?

“We know that the despots and the dictators are all watching, because Trump has thrown the rule book out the window — he has set it on fire and thrown it out the window.

“We will not stand by while our so-called ally destroys every part of the international law book as they commit wanton murder and death purely to secure oil and protect the profits of companies like Exxon and Chevron.”

Mr Healy said the US’ action in Venezuela sets a dangerous precedent.

“I think that this is an extreme danger. I think that the Australian Government should be far more forceful in its statements and its stance on what’s happening there,” he said.

“It’s not a matter of just being meek and mild, the Australian Government has actually got to call the American Government to order on this.”

It follows similar protests nationwide on Sunday, which saw three arrests in Sydney after protesters defied orders by NSW Police.

Hundreds protested outside Town Hall despite public demonstrations being banned in Sydney since the Bondi beach terror attack last month.

A sprawling indictment filed in the US District Court alleges Mr Maduro and Venezuelan leaders have “abused their positions of public trust” to allegedly engage in weapons and drug trafficking offences over decades.

Mr Trump has already described the Caracas strike as a model to follow in other South American countries, as Mr Maduro awaits his first appearance in a New York court.