Facebook Twitter Email
Indian protesters and riot troopers clashed Saturday in Brazil, on the 500th anniversary of Portugese arrival to the country.

A group of approximately 2,000 Indians from all throughout Brazil gathered in Porto Seguro, where navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral first landed 500 years ago, to protest the celebration, carrying signs reading "500 years of resistance" and "Who said Brazil was discovered?" They were met with clubs, tear gas, and rubber bullets by local police.

Federal officials promised to investigate the incident, which was called "heavy-handed" by prosecutor Marcio Torres. "The Indians and their supporters were violently deprived of their constitutional right of free expression," he said.

Police detained and 141 protesters, including 30 Catholic missionaries. All were released. Unofficial reports claimed 15 injured, mostly Indians.

Staff and news wires contributed to this report.

Related story:
Indians see no reason to celebrate (Global 4/21)