Clashes and Arrests at Teachers' Protest in Rio

10/02/2013 - 09h25

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FROM RIO DE JANIERO

Under protests that disrupted the downtown streets of Rio de Janeiro, the City Council approved a new plan on Tuesday of positions and wages for city teachers. The group has been on strike seeking wage increases for more than a month.

The climate was tense outside the City Council building due to clashes between protesters and police. The confrontation left 20 people wounded and at least 17 under arrest, in addition to causing major traffic snarls in the city.

Police launched dozens of tear gas canisters and flash bombs to fend off protesters. Clashes then raged through streets in the area.

The bombs thrown by the military police made the windows of the City Council building shake. Council members within the building reacted with fright and shouting was heard from the staff.

Translated by STEVE HUGHES

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