Amnesty warns Brazil against crackdown on protesters

Amnesty International has called on Brazilian security forces to refrain from using violence against peaceful demonstrators, saying it could damage the World Cup.

On Thursday, the leading human rights organization warned police against arbitrary arrests and the indiscriminate firing of tear gas and rubber bullets against peaceful protesters.

“Brazil’s deficient policing record, reliance on the military to police demonstrations, lack of training and an atmosphere of impunity creates a dangerous cocktail in which the only losers are peaceful protesters,” Amnesty said in a statement.

It stressed that police violence could damage the upcoming soccer tournament.

Meanwhile, director at Amnesty International Brazil said protesters angered at the waste of public money on the tournament are risking serious violence.

“The 2014 World Cup will be a crucial test for authorities in Brazil. They must use this opportunity to step up their game and ensure the security forces policing demonstrations during the tournament refrain from committing any more human rights violations,” media outlets quoted Atila Roque as saying.

Subway workers have also gone on strike in Sao Paulo over salary, causing long delays and massive disruption.

Brazil has been hit by a wave of protests against spending more than 11 billion dollars on the sports event, which will open on June 12 in Sao Paulo.

Nearly 160,000 troops and police are to be deployed nationwide, with an additional 20,000 private security agents in the stadiums.

Brazil has seen almost daily protests over the multi-billion dollar costs of hosting the international soccer event. Critics say the money being spent on the sports event should be invested in better health, education services, transportation, and housing for Brazilians.