Fighting Breaks Out in Rio De Janeiro as Police Move to Clear 5,000 Squatters From Buildings
Squatters occupying a complex of abandoned buildings in Rio de Janeiro clashed with police Friday after a court ruling that allowed the premises to be cleared.
Hundreds of police moved into the area early in the morning, and Brazilian media reported that most of the 5,000 squatters left peacefully. But fighting soon broke out when some of the residents began throwing rocks at the police, who responded by firing rubber bullets, tear gas and percussion grenades.
One of the buildings, a truck, buses and police vehicles were set on fire, and local media reported that three bank branches were vandalized as the violence spread. Seven civilians and nine police officers were injured, a police spokesman said.
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