Brazilian Indians Shoot Arrows Against Police in Anti-World Cup Protest in Brasilia

05/28/2014 - 08h51

Brazilian Indians protesting for land disputes in front of Congress clashed with Military Police from the Federal District when they joined a demonstration against the World Cup this afternoon, Tuesday (27), in Brasilia.

The city is one of the 12 host World Cup cities, with games starting on June 12.

The conflict began when Indians, in charge of the protest, tried to go through a barrier formed by the PM cavalry, to prevent them from reaching the National Stadium Mane Garrincha.

Police used dozens of tear gas to disperse the group, they retaliated by throwing sticks and stones at the police. Some shot arrows toward the horses used by the PM.

According to the Civil Police, the major Cleber Jose Ferreira, from the Battalion Cavalry, was hit by an arrow in his left leg. Protesters dispersed but remained near the stadium.

According to Police, 650 people were at the demonstration. The three groups part of the protest - Indians, anti-World Cup groups and people from the homeless movement - estimate that about 2,000 people attended the march.

Indians protested for land disputes in front of Congress. They joined the march against the World Cup that wanted to get near the parking lot of the National Stadium where the FIFA's Cup is held.

To protect themselves from possible bombs dropped by the police, the Indians prevented the departure of about ten vehicles that were parked on a street next to the arena. People waited inside the cars.

Protesters climbed into a vehicle of the fire brigade, which was damaged. PM continued throwing bombs, which reached a craft fair located on the site, with a few stores opened.

According to police, three people were arrested in the demonstration, but they did not provide details on the reasons of the arrests.

Translated by SIMONE PALMA

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