Native Brazilians protest against Fifa World Cup 2014
Demonstrators rallied against reservation-reduction legislation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Around 400 people of different native Brazilian ethnicities rallied outside the Justice Ministry in the capital on Thursday, to protest against legislation planned for the FIFA World Cup 2014 which will shrink their reservations.
In images shown by the Globo TV network, demonstrators wearing tribal markings and headdresses carried bows and arrows outside the building in the capital.
While the activists temporarily blocked the four entrances to the ministry in an attempt to gain the attention of Justice Minister Eduardo Cardozo, the demonstration was peaceful, Sgt. Daniel Barroso, a spokesman for the Brasilia police department confirmed.
The action was the second this week in the capital Brasilia by indigenous the population, and comes weeks before the Fifa World Cup begins on 12 June.
On Tuesday, the same group had armed themselves with bows and fired a few arrows at police officers mounted on horses - one of which hit an officer in the leg.
Two protesters were also injured, according to Globo, but the exact details of the incident or their condition after were unclear.
The clashes caused the cancellation of a ceremony just outside the new stadium where the football tournament will be hosted, and where the World Cup trophy was to be exhibited.
Demonstrators rallying against the expense of the tournament joined the indigenous protesters on Tuesday. They voiced concerns that the billions being spent on the tournament should have gone to improving Brazil's public services.
Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has previously warned that the government will call in troops if necessary to prevent protests disrupting the football games next month.
Additional reporting by AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments