RIO DE JANEIRO, June 27 (Xinhua) -- A student protester taking part in an anti-government rally in the southeast city of Belo Horizonte became the fifth person to die in the wave of protests that have gripped Brazil for more than two weeks, medical sources confirmed Thursday.
The young man, identified as Douglas Henrique de Oliveira, 21, died after falling off a bridge in a clash with police, during a day of demonstrations that saw some 50,000 protesters amass outside a local stadium hosting a match between Uruguay and Brazil.
Police, sent to prevent the protesters from approaching Mineirao Stadium, where the Confederations Cup match was being played, clashed with small groups of protesters after the demonstrations.
In one such confrontation, Oliveira fell off the bridge and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died early Thursday from his injuries.
According to police, 25 people were arrested for vandalism and other felonies in Belo Horizonte.
Police also reported looting, destruction of public property, and an automobile dealership being set on fire.
In addition to Belo Horizonte, protesters held demonstrations in other parts of Brazil, as part of ongoing protests sparked by a transit fare hike amid massive government spending on international sporting events, such as the cup and next year's World Cup.
Brazilians are now clamoring for better public services, including transportation, education and healthcare, and better government.
Dance becomes popular stress relief
Feedback
RSS
