Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Hundreds of people in Brazil have clashed with police during a protest against increased fares for public transport. Commuters were caught up in the violence at Rio de Janeiro's Central Station during rush hour. Riot police fired tear gas and tried to disperse the crowd, while activists hurled stones and petrol bombs. A cameraman is in a serious condition in hospital after suffering a head injury. Six other people were also injured and at least 20 protesters were arrested, O Globo newspaper reported. Last year, similar protests grew into a nationwide movement against corruption and excessive spending ahead of the football World Cup, which Brazil will host in June and July. Those protests began at the end of May 2013 in Sao Paulo, when the local authorities announced ticket prices would rise. The fare increase was revoked after weeks of protests, with the federal government helping the state and municipal authorities to foot the bill.
Last week, Rio's Mayor Eduardo Paes announced a 9% increase in transport fares, coming into effect on Friday. The single bus fare goes up from 2.75 reais ($1.20; £0.70) to 3 reais ($1.30; £0.80). A demonstration was called against the rise. It began peacefully, with hundreds of protesters gathering outside the Candelaria cathedral, in Rio's city centre. They marched towards the Central Station, a major underground, train and bus hub. The violent clashes have increased concerns about security during the World Cup, which will kick off in Sao Paulo on 12 June and will end in Rio on 13 July. Rio will also host the 2016 Olympic Games. (FA)
