Amnesty criticizes repression of protests in Rio and São Paulo.

Mariana Tokarnia
Reporter from Agência Brasil

Brasilia - Amnesty International, in a statement released today (13), called for a peaceful solution to the protests against the increase in public transport fares in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The organization represents more than 3 million members and activists who work globally to protect human rights.

In São Paulo, the fourth demonstration against the fare increase is taking place. The first occurred last Thursday (6). The protests are against the increase in public fares, which went from R$ 3 to R$ 3,20 last week. There were clashes with the police and vandalism of public property, buses, cars and shop windows.

In Rio de Janeiro, the protests are against the increase in bus fares, from R$ 2,75 to R$ 2,95. Bus stops were partially destroyed last Monday (10) and at least 34 people were detained.

In the statement, Amnesty International expresses concern about the repression of protests and the discourse of the authorities, which signals a "radicalization of repression and the arrest of journalists and demonstrators, in some cases framed under the crime of forming a criminal gang."

"Accessible public transportation is of fundamental importance so that the population can exercise their right to come and go, which is as important as other rights such as education, health, housing, and freedom of expression." The movement also states that it is against the destruction of public property and violent acts from both sides.

Edited by: Carolina Pimentel