Thousands have gathered in the streets of Brazil’s cities in a broad protest against the country’s high living costs and extravagant stadium projects related to hosting the 2014 World Cup.
The protests sprouted from smaller demonstrations against increases in bus fare, according to the New York Times.
Many people in Brazil are reportedly angry about the cost of hosting and staging the 2014 World Cup, reports the BBC. Bus fares increased last week, just before the country hosted the Confederations Cup on Saturday, which has been seen as a dress rehearsal for next year’s World Cup.
Demonstrators’ frustrations are aimed at public security and health and poltical corruption in addition to the public cost of hosting the large event, such as lavish stadium projects.
“We shouldn't be spending public money on stadiums,” said a woman named Camila, a 32-year-old travel agent in São Paulo, according to Reuters. “We don't want the Cup. We want education, hospitals, a better life for our children.”
Protesters have gathered in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city; Brasilia, the capital; and Rio de Janeiro. Sixty-five thousand people gathered in São Paulo alone, bringing the city to a total standstill.
Protesters in Brasilia mounted the roof of the national congress building while those in Rio de Janeiro clashed with police.
Police violence has fueled the protests after around 100 citizens and 15 journalists were injured in São Paulo. Officers attacked demonstrators with rubber bullets and tear gas.
“The violence has come from the government,” said Mariana Toledo, 27, a graduate student at the University of São Paulo. “Such violent acts by the police instill fear, and at the same time the need to keep protesting.”
Images: Twitter, Reuters World Twitter, Twitter