Tear gas and sound bombs: Clashes in Sao Paulo as 1,000s protest bus fare hike

‘Police used tear gas and sound bombs to disperse thousands of people protesting against hikes in bus fare price in Brazil’s biggest city, Sao Paulo.

The protesters gathered for a rally after the authorities increased bus fares from 3 reals ($1.14) to 3.50 reals ($1.34). Carrying banners reading, “No to fare hikes” the demonstrators called for fares to be lowered or eliminated altogether. They also demanded free student fares.

According to organizers, the rally attracted about 20,000 people, while police put the numbers at 3,000. At least 1,000 officers were policing the demonstration.’

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