Some of the biggest cities in Brazil were flooded with 200,000 people to protest against the increasing cost of transport, which is applicable all over the country.
There was some hassle between the demonstrators and the police in Rio de Janeiro, but elsewhere the protest was non-violent. The demonstrators broke the security rule in the capital Brasilia at the National Congress building.
Root Cause
The main outcry of the protestors was a hike in the price of a single bus fare in Sao Polo from 3 reals (£0.90) to 3.20. Images showing police beating and firing rubber bullets over the crowd to contain it raised the momentum of the protest.
The general public is against hosting the World Cup and 2016 Olympics, citing the reason that country will not be able to meet the expenses. The general mass is reeling under the pressure of high taxes coupled with poor transportation, health service, education and security.
Biggest Protest
This protest can be included in the list of biggest protests over the past 20 years where people irrespective of their work protested against paying high taxes for poor services.
The demonstration is the largest one after the end of dictatorship in Brazil from 1964-85. The protest has been staged following the opening match of Soccer’s Confederation Cup and a month before the Pope’s visit.
Protest in Several Cities of Brazil
A group of around 65,000 demonstrators came together in the Sao Paulo, which is the economic hub of Brazil. They first gathered in the small, treeless plaza and later on divided and went in three different directions, in Carnival atmosphere. Drummers were playing samba rhythms, and people echoed anti-corruption slogans.
The protestors were attacked by tear gas and rubber bullets from officers in Rio after they made an attempt to enter the state legislative assembly. Angry protesters threw rocks and flares at police.
A mob of 20,000 people was estimated to be gathered in Belo Horizonte and demonstrated peacefully. In the early morning, protestors put several barricades of burning tires on a highway, which disturbed traffic.
Protests were also held in Curitiba, Belem and Salvador.
Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo issued a warning to protestors that they will not be allowed to interrupt the Confederations Cup or the World Cup, which is to be held next year.
“The government assumed the responsibility and the honour to stage these two international events and will do so, ensuring the security and integrity of the fans and tourists,” he said.
