More than a million Brazilians poured into the streets of at least 80 cities Thursday in this week’s largest anti-government demonstrations yet, protests that saw violent clashes break out in several cities as people demanding improved public services and an end to corruption faced tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets.
At least one protester was killed in Sao Paulo state after a car rammed into a crowd of demonstrators, the driver apparently angered about being unable to drive along a street.
Riot police battled protesters in at least five cities, with some of the most intense clashes happening in Rio de Janeiro, where an estimated 300,000 demonstrators swarmed into the seaside city’s central area.
I – Word Understanding
Poured into the streets – come into the streets together in a great number
Rammed – hit with violence or force
Swarmed – a very large number (of people) coming together
II – Have your say
1. A protest is an expression of objection, by words or by actions, to particular events, policies or situations. To put into summary, protests are usually about political, economic and civil rights.
2. Nudity is sometimes used as a tactic during a protest to attract public attention to a cause. Some claim that it is indecent especially when it can be viewed by children; while others argue that it is a legitimate form of expression covered by the right to free speech.
3. Blogging and social networking have also become effective tools for protests and grievances.
