2014 World Cup Protests in Brazil: Violence Erupts Between Police and Protesters in Sao Paulo
Protesters and Brazilian police clashed Thursday during a violent street demonstration in Sao Paulo, Brazil Thursday morning, just hours before the opening game of the 2014 World Cup.
According to Reuters, police used noise bombs to disperse a crowd of about 200 angry demonstrators who criticized the government for overspending on the event while ignoring the cries and needs of working- and middle-class residents. The violence erupted as protesters tried to block a key avenue leading to the Corinthians Arena where the soccer match between Brazil and Croatia will kick off at 5 p.m. EST.
Police have also reportedly fired tear gas at the protesters, about 15 kilometers from the stadium, according to multiple reports.
At least one protester has been arrested, according to local media reports. The Associated Press also reported that two CNN producers were injured during the confrontation.
There will likely be more protests and labor strikes in the 12 host cities as the World Cup continues. Airport workers who have been demanding raises for several months went on strike Thursday morning, blocking a road outside Rio's international airport and causing heavy traffic jams.
The Brazilian government has reportedly spent $855 million on security measures alone to protect fans and citizens during the Cup -- roughly five times more than the $175 million South Africa spent when it hosted the tournament in 2010. That, along with the enormous costs of building the stadiums and facilities to host the World Cup, has motivated angry Brazilians to hit the streets in the days leading to the tournament.
On Monday, teachers in Rio de Janeiro took to the streets in front of the World Cup's media headquarters to protest low wages. Meanwhile, subway workers threatened a walkout, and on Wednesday, demonstrating taxi drivers caused widespread traffic jams by blocking a section of Brazil's famous Copacabana neighborhood in the capital city of Rio de Janeiro.
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