Brazil police accused of shooting at anti-government protesters
Officials investigate after media images appear to show officers firing weapons at demonstration calling for resignation of president Michel Temer
Staff and agencies in Brasilia
Thursday 25 May 2017 13.11 EDT
Brazilian authorities are investigating reports that police officers opened fire with live ammunition during clashes with protesters demanding the resignation of the president, Michel Temer, over corruption allegations.
Troops were deployed in the country’s capital late on Wednesday following a day of protests in which fires broke out in two ministries and several were evacuated. Protesters also set fires in the streets and vandalized government buildings.
Images in national media appeared to show police officers firing weapons, and the secretariat of public security said it was investigating. In all, 49 people were injured, one by a bullet.
On Thursday, Temer canceled the troop deployment after criticism that the move was excessive and merely an effort to hold onto power amid increasing calls for his resignation.
More:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/25/brazil-police-protests-shooting-michel-temer
