Masked rioters turned over cars and broke into buildings on Monday (October 7) as thousands of protesters marched on Rio de Janeiro in support of teachers who are seeking pay increases.
The initially peaceful demonstration turned violent as at least 20 “black bloc” anarchists smashed a City Hall gate while others broke into banks and tried to break open ATMs, setting some alight. Rioters also torched a bus on busy Rio Branco Avenue, and pulled furniture out of banks to use in barricades as they squared off with police. Authorities used tear gas to get the crowd under control.
“Without the police, there is no violence. When they are there, there always is,” said anarchist Hugo Cryois, 23, who had a gas mask dangling from his neck. “I came prepared,” he said. “You can’t trust them.”
Teachers who have been pressing for a pay raise for two months said 50,000 people marched to support them before the violence broke out. Police would only concede a figure of 10,000.
Brazil’s security situation is an ongoing challenge in this city that will play host to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games.
