Teachers and police involved in violent clash

Police and teachers in Curitiba,Brazil today (Thursday) got into a violent clash which has so far left no fewer than 200 people injured.

BBC reports that police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades at demonstrators when they tried to break through police lines around the state legislative assembly.

The teachers were reportedly protesting against proposed changes to their pension, and the turnout numbered about 20,000 people although there has been no official confirmation of the number.

Also, the teachers worried that the new fund will not be as secure, to this end, they have repeatedly gone on strike in an attempt to prevent it.

Inspite of the protest, the vote went ahead yesterday (Wednesday) with the state assembly approving the changes.

Speaking on the protest, Curitiba Mayor Gustavo Fruet said the scene resembled "a war zone".