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.

Brazil Protests Flag
The IPO failure comes amid historic anti-government protests throughout Brazil. Reuters
Brazil Protests Injured
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 Reuters
Brazil Protests Violencia
Demonstrators shout anti-government slogans behind a banner during one of many protests around Brazil's major cities in Sao Paulo Reuters
Brazil Protests Bus
A demonstrator attacks a public bus during one of many protests around Brazil's major cities in Porto Alegre Reuters
Brazil Protests bonfire
Demonstrators build a bonfire to impede the arrival of the police during one of many protests around Brazil's major cities in Porto Alegre Reuters
Brazil Protests Congress
Demonstrators protest against the Confederation's Cup and the government of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff outside the National Congress in Brasilia Reuters
Brazil Protests Bonfire
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 Reuters
Brazil Protests Congress 2
Demonstrators protest against the Confederation's Cup and the government of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff outside the national congress in Brasilia Reuters
Brazil Protests Belo Horizonte
Demonstrators march toward the Mineirao Stadium during one of the many protests around Brazil's major cities in Belo Horizonte Reuters
Brazil Protests Gathering
Demonstrators gather to protest against the Confederation's Cup and the government of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff outside the national congress in Brasilia Reuters
Brazil Protests Riot Police
Demonstrators face riot police during one of the many protests around Brazil's major cities in Belo Horizonte Reuters
Brazil Protests Belem
Demonstrators march during one of the many protests around Brazil's major cities in Belem Reuters
Brazil Protests World Cup
A demonstrator holds a banner during one of the many protests around Brazil's major cities in Sao Paulo Reuters

What do you think about the protests in Brazil? Let us know in the comments.

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