Police Arrests 90 People In Protests: Brazil
Local Editor
Brazilian police have arrested around 90 people in the country's largest city, Sao Paulo, amid enraged protests over a recent police killing of a 17-year-old boy.
Inhabitants of the Jacana district of Sao Paulo took to the streets on Monday evening to protest the death of 17-year-old student, Douglas Rodrigues, shot dead by a policeman on Sunday night.
The protest turned violent when police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
During the clashes, demonstrators burned at least five commuter buses and three tractor-trailer trucks. In addition, one pedestrian was injured during a shooting and was taken to the hospital by police.
Police say the killing of Rodrigues took place on Sunday when an officer accidentally discharged his weapon and hit the teenager, who later died at hospital.
The victim's family has accused officer Pinheiro of murdering Rodrigues as he walked past a bar on Bacurizinho Street in the North of Sao Paulo with his 12-year-old brother. Police had been called to the bar after reports of a disturbance of the peace in the area.
Officer Pinheiro said the shot that was fired as he exited his vehicle by the bar was ‘accidental.' Pinheiro is now being held in custody potentially facing a trial for manslaughter, while the Military Police investigate the incident.
Brazil has seen numerous demonstrations since June, with protesters demanding more public spending on schools, public health, and transportation.
Source: News Agencies
