May 19, 2014
Calm returned to Brazil, after leaving behind a national day of protest that took place in major cities of this South American country against the Soccer World Cup.
The most severe manifestations were reportedd in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, main venues of the World competition scheduled for next June, where last night the police dispersed a march due to acts of vandalism committed by a minority group, belonging to the so-called Black blocs.
In Sao Paulo, venue of the opening match between Brazil and Croatia, the police fired tear gas bombs into a crowd of 200 thousand people, after burning dumpsters.
After the confusion created, a small group broke windows and destroyed two banking agencies and an auto shop in Consolation Street.
At least 20 people were arrested and three people were injured, including a photographer.
In Rio de Janeiro, where are scheduled seven matches, including the final, 1,300 students gathered in the center the city to demand resources and funding for the sectors of education and health, after two days of a strike performed by drivers.
The most critical situation occurred in Recife, capital of Pernambuco state, where acts of vandalism and violence were related to a strike by police and firefighters.
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In Brasilia, members of the Homeless Workers Movement invaded the building of the real estate company of the government of the Federal District that owns the Mane Garrincha National Stadium.
Other protests were reported in Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Salvador de Bahia and Natal, among other of the 12 World Cup venues.
The federal government assessed the situation in order to call to the dialogue with social groups.
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