Press releases
Brazil: police violence on eve of World Cup opener condemned
‘The Brazilian authorities must, without delay, investigate why excessive force was used against peaceful protesters’ - Atila Roque
The Brazilian authorities’ promises that the opening of the World Cup would be a global celebration ring hollow this evening, as police brutally repressed peaceful protesters in Sao Paulo earlier today, injuring at least two journalists, Amnesty International said.
According to eye witnesses, military police fired tear gas and stun grenades against peaceful demonstrators in Sao Paulo - around six miles from the stadium where the opening match of the tournament will take place this evening.
Amongst those injured is the local producer from the international broadcaster CNN.
Atila Roque, Director of Amnesty International Brazil, said:
“The Brazilian authorities must, without delay, investigate why excessive force was used against peaceful protesters, bring those responsible to justice and ensure this does not happen again.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Amnesty International Brazil: Thais Herdy, thais.herdy@anistia.org.br, 55 21 3174 8608 / +55 21 6919 2766.