Riots in Sao Paulo for free transportation during World Cup game turns violent

Anniversary rally organised by Movimento Passe Livre (Free Fare Movement) in Sao Paulo reunites at least 1,300 people to demand free transport but ends in vandalism by Black Bloc members to banks and a luxury car forecourt on June 19, 2014

Sao Paulo, June 20 (IANS/EFE) About 1,300 people rallied in Sao Paulo to demand free public transportation, leading to a violent riot that witnessed masked men attacking a bank and assaulting journalists.

Riots took place during the England and Uruguay match in the Stadium Arena Corinthians here Thursday, reports EFE. The demonstration was staged by the Passe Livre movement, which means "Free Fare."

The organisers said that it was a peaceful rally but it suddenly turned violent after some masked men attacked a broadcasting truck and a bank. Some of the protestors tried to control the rioters but were overpowered.

Television images showed masked people chasing a camera man. But the scale of the demonstration was remarkably less than those held in June last year when millions of people took to the streets across Brazil, coinciding with the Confederations Cup, to demand better public transportation.