Police Come Down Hard on Demonstrations Against Public Transport Fare Hikes in São Paulo

01/13/2016 - 09h57

A second demonstration against fare hikes on the public transport network in São Paulo was marked by a change in the strategy of the Military Police (PM), who came down heavily on the protest, using tear gas grenades to disperse demonstrators - even before confrontations with protestors using black bloc tactics.

The police decided to close the Avenida Paulista and searched protestors before the beginning of the demonstration. They also stopped protestors from moving down the Avenida Rebouças. After some pushing and shoving, they launched tear gas grenades, which caused chaos, with demonstrators fleeing down different streets.

By early evening, four demonstrators had been injured. Tear gas grenades were also launched at journalists and pedestrians who were not participating in the demonstration.

The PM's new strategy was adopted after the first demonstration against the fare hikes last Friday (8) ended with acts of vandalism by protestors using "black bloc" tactics.

On Tuesday (12), the trouble started when members of the Free Fare Movement (MPL) tried to proceed down Avenida Rebouças. A police cordon was formed, blocking their access. The PM wanted them instead to go down the Rua da Consolação, arguing that the demonstrators had not informed them of their route in advance.

The impasse caused a ruckus, with several demonstrators trying to pass through the police cordon. In response, the police used shock grenades and pepper spray, provoking chaos on the Avenida Paulista as protestors fled.

Eber Veloso Carlos, 28, a demonstrator and Metro employee, was injured, bleeding from the head. He says he received a blow from a police baton. "It's the first time I've taken a beating for no reason," he said.

According to the MPL, 28 people were hurt and sought medical assistance in local hospitals. The PM said that eight people were arrested.

The demonstration was organized by the MPL, which was the driving force behind the protests in 2013. It is campaigning for the reversal of fare hikes on the bus, metro and trains in the city by the mayor Fernando Haddad (PT) and state governor Geraldo Alckmin (PSDB).

This month the cost of a single fare went from R$3.50 (US $0.88) to R$3.80 (US $0.95).

Before the protest began, the police searched bags, arresting a man who was carrying a chain and a pair of scissors. At least two other men were also arrested, one of whom was caught with a knuckleduster.

Undeterred, the MPL has organized another protest for Thursday (14). This time, demonstrators will gather at two locations: Largo da Batata, in Pinheiros, and in front of the Municipal Theatre, in downtown São Paulo.

Translated by TOM GATEHOUSE

Read the article in the original language