Police Fire Stun Grenades at Rio De Janeiro Anti-Austerity Protests

Police clashed with anti-austerity protesters in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, December 6, as state legislators voted on budget cuts.

Protesters rallied out the Rio de Janeiro Legislative Assembly during the debate. Demonstrators were mainly public servants some of whom have not been paid for months, according to local media.

Police used tear gas and pepper spray and officers were photographed firing stun grenades from the window of a nearby church, triggering complaints from the the Rio diocese, who dubbed the police action an “invasion,” the BBC reported. Dozens of people were injured in Tuesday’s protest and nine arrests were made. Credit: Instagram/vinivsb via Storyful