SÃO PAULO (BDCi) – With the World Cup just a few short weeks away, protests and strikes are becoming more frequent in Brazilian cities, especially those that will host matches during the soccer tournament.
Brasília, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have experienced a recent increase in violent demonstrations, where stones are hurled, tires are set on fire and roads are blocked.
Riot police have had to use tear gas to break up the large protests.
Demonstrators are using the global significance of the event as an opportunity to maximize pressure on the Brazilian government, protesting the money and loss of life that have gone into preparations for the 2014 World Cup.
Cvil servants, teachers and others were also on strike across the country.
The government maintains that the demonstrations are not related to the World Cup.
Troops have already been deployed all over the nation to help step up Brazil’s security for the World Cup in June and July.
By: Diego Díaz Source: BBC Photo: AFP 16 May 2014
8:15 a.m. P.D.T.