Post date: Feb 07, 2014 4:8:54 PM
Clashes break out at one of Rio de Janeiro's main train stations as protest over a 10 cent fare hike turns violent.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (FEBRUARY 6, 2014) (TV RECORD) -Clashes erupted at one of Rio de Janeiro's main train stations on Thursday (February 6) as hundreds protested a ten cent fare hike.
The incident occurred during commuter hour, scattering would-be passengers as police fired tear gas and protesters hurled stones, petrol bombs and firecrackers.Brazilian television station aired scenes of chaos, showing protesters wearing bandanas over their mouths jumping turnstiles in the station and running amid clouds of tear gas in the streets.
At least seven people were injured and 20 arrested, according to O Globonewspaper.
An unidentified cameraman from the Brazilian television station, TV Bandeirantes, was rushed to the hospital after suffering a head injury during the riot.
According to the BBC, the cameraman is in serious condition.
Last week, Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes announced the fare increase, which will see a single fare rise from 2.75 reais ($1.15 US) to 3 reais ($1.25 US).
Last June, Brazil was rocked by an outburst of protests during the Confederations Cup soccer tournament as demonstrators took to the streets against corrupt government, high taxes and bad public service. The demonstrations dragged on for weeks, but lost momentum when they deteriorated into clashes between police and anarchic youths. Just last week, Brazil introduced a special police unit aimed at thwarting any trouble on the streets during this year's World Cup.