Brazilian protests that started around June 6 reached a violent point as riot police confronted protesters over the past few days. With tear gas and rubber bullets flying, protesters retreated as lines of riot police donning shields, shotguns and tear gas launchers advanced to disperse the crowds. In response to the heavy handed actions by riot police, thousands of disgruntled people filled Brazil’s largest cities, including the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Belem, Curitib and Brasilia.
The protests were initially sparked by the Brazilian government’s decision to raise public transportation fares from BRL 3.00 to 3.20. However, other grievances have also been voiced, including protests against the excessive spending of the government in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics. Take a look at a photos from the protests here.
The IPO failure comes amid historic anti-government protests throughout Brazil.
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An injured demonstrator sits in a police van after he was arrested during a protest against the Confederation's Cup and the government of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff in Brasilia
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Demonstrators shout anti-government slogans behind a banner during one of many protests around Brazil's major cities in Sao Paulo
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A demonstrator attacks a public bus during one of many protests around Brazil's major cities in Porto Alegre
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Demonstrators build a bonfire to impede the arrival of the police during one of many protests around Brazil's major cities in Porto Alegre
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Demonstrators protest against the Confederation's Cup and the government of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff outside the National Congress in Brasilia
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Demonstrators build a bonfire to impede the arrival of the police during one of the many protests around Brazil's major cities in Porto Alegre
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Demonstrators protest against the Confederation's Cup and the government of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff outside the national congress in Brasilia
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Demonstrators march toward the Mineirao Stadium during one of the many protests around Brazil's major cities in Belo Horizonte
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Demonstrators gather to protest against the Confederation's Cup and the government of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff outside the national congress in Brasilia
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Demonstrators face riot police during one of the many protests around Brazil's major cities in Belo Horizonte
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Demonstrators march during one of the many protests around Brazil's major cities in Belem
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A demonstrator holds a banner during one of the many protests around Brazil's major cities in Sao Paulo
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What do you think about the protests in Brazil? Let us know in the comments.