Military Police React Violently and Center of Sao Paulo Has Another Day of Panic

06/14/2013 - 08h52

The Military Police toughened the crackdown on protesters, assaulted journalists, left pedestrians and drivers trapped by tear gas and rubber shots, and the fourth demonstration against the rise in public transportation fares again brought panic and violence to the center of São Paulo.

After scenes of vandalism and destruction that marked the first three protests, this time the violent reaction of MP stood out - and escalated the clashes.

A series of tear gas canisters fired by police panicked pedestrians and drivers - who, in the confusion, ended up abandoning cars on the streets.

At least 55 people, victims of clashes between protesters and MP, were treated at an emergency medical station.

The large majority of victims - nearly 50 cases - was due to effects on the eyes and throat from gas and pepper spray, according to Pedro Campana, 26, the attending physician.

Moacyr Lopes Júnior/Folhapress

Dozens of protesters were arrested, many of them even before the beginning of the demonstration at 5PM in front of the Municipal Theater

Dozens of protesters were arrested, many of them even before the beginning of the demonstration at 5pm in front of the Municipal Theater. By the evening there had already been 30 arrests.

The MP, which estimated there were 5,000 protesters, surrounded them and set up roadblocks to try to contain them and prevent them from reaching Avenida Paulista. Pedestrians were approached and searched in the middle of the street. Protesters with paint, and even vinegar, were taken to nearby police stations.

Folha witnessed a military policeman beating and kicking, a demonstrator already immobilized on the ground in front of City Hall.

"I am against destruction, but what I saw today seemed like military dictatorship," said the architect Isabelly Frederick, 36, referring to the action of the Military Police.

The crackdown on protests reached journalists, including seven Folha reporters. The reporters Giuliana Vallone and Fabio Braga were hit in the face by rubber bullets shot by the Shock Troops of the Military Police. Giuliana, struck in the left eye, was rescued and taken to the hospital.

Translated by DAVE WOLIN

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