Looted Stores and Attacks Against São Paulo City Hall and the Press During New Protest

06/19/2013 - 09h40

A few hours after the mayor of São Paulo, Fernando Haddad (PT), indicated for the first time the possibility of reducing bus fares, protestors tried to invade the city hall building, in the center of the city, in a new and violent protest, which also included attacks against the press, vandalism and looted stores.

The disturbance started when a group led by punks and anarchists attacked the building, after it was surrounded by thousands of protestors who came from Praça da Sé.

According to Datafolha, 50,000 demonstrators met at 5:00 pm.

When the attack occurred two hours later, Haddad wasn't in the building. He had left to meet with President Rousseff and former president Lula to find a solution to curb the protests.

Veja vídeo

Terrified employees in the building followed the attempted invasion. Outside, members of the Movimento Passe Livre (Free Pass Movement) and other protestors tried to repress the group attacking the building, in a clear division of demonstrators who take part in the actions.

Unable to enter the building, a part of the demonstrators began to attack the press - a TV Record van was set on fire. Then they robbed clothing and home appliance stores on Direita and São Bento streets and destroyed a bank agency. There were no police officers at the place.

At the same time, a peaceful protest was forming on Paulista avenue.

In the morning, Haddad admitted he might suspend the increase from R$3 to R$3.20, but he said he can raise taxes.

A Datafolha survey shows that the level of São Paulo residents' distrust in the three federal government branches is the highest in ten years. Only 19% of São Paulo residents believe the Executive branch has a good reputation. The survey also shows the support for the protests increased from 55% on June 13 to 77% on the June 18 survey.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

Read the article in the original language