Violent Protests Erupt in Brazil

World Today

Less than two months before the World Cup in Brazil, violent protests erupted in Copacabana, one of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular tourist spots. On Tuesday night, residents from a nearby slum burned tires and clashed with police.

The violence follows the death of a 25-year old male dancer who lived in the slum. Intense exchanges of gunfire were heard when members of an elite police moved into the Pavao-Pavaozinho favela, which lies a few hundred yards (meters) from where Olympic swimming events are expected to take place in two months. Following the discovery of the body of the dancer, Douglas Rafael da Silva Pereira, angry young men began lighting fires throughout the slum and tossing homemade explosives, bottles and other objects down onto Copacabana’s main avenues.

Elite police units entered the favela, and at least three prolonged exchanges of gunfire were heard, presumably between officers and the drug gang members who continue to maintain a presence in the shantytown. CCTV’s Lucrecia Franco has more.

Violent Protests Erupt in Brazil

Less than two months before the World Cup in Brazil, violent protests erupted in Copacabana, one of Rio de Janeiro's most popular tourist spots. On Tuesday night, residents from a nearby slum burned tires and clashed with police.CCTV's Lucrecia Franco reports.