Demonstration against Temer's gov't marked by vandalism

A group of some 50 people wearing masks started a fracas during the demonstration against President Michel Temer in Brasília, after Military Police agents dispersed some of the protesters with tear gas bombs and stun grenades.

The masked protesters destroyed blinds and glass windows of at least six ministry buildings, among them that of National Integration, Labor, and also Agriculture, which, despite being surrounded by a security fence, had much of its glass shattered.

Also wrecked were bus stops, traffic signs, public phones, the floodlights that light the lettering identifying the ministries, and even the chemical toilets that had been installed ahead of the march.

The demonstration, dubbed “Ocupa Brasília” (“Occupy Brasília,” in a literal translation), was called by union centers opposing the pension and labor reforms. They also call for the ouster of President Temer. Due to the protests, all of the esplanade, where the ministries are located, was closed for cars.

*Mariana Branco contributed to this article.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira