About 1,500 security personnel deployed for Occupy Brasília march

About 1,500 personnel have been deployed to provide security at an Occupy Brasília demonstration organized by workers’ unions this Wednesday (May 24).

The unions are protesting a labor and a pension reform under way in Brazil and the government of President Michel Temer. There are calls for a direct election to replace Temer in presidency.

The groups of protesters initially gathered at Mané Garrincha stadium at 10am. After noon, they set out on a march to the National Congress.

The security arrangements include 1,400 military police and 100 civilian police officers, as well as reinforcements from the fire department.

Protesters have been banned from carrying flagpoles, glass bottles, sticks, and sharp objects.

Translated by Mayra Borges