Latin America & Caribbean

Brazil indigenous groups clash with police in Brasilia

Riot police points his gun at Brazilian Indians during a demonstration against the violation of indigenous people's rights, in Brasilia, Brazil April 25, 2017. Image copyright Reuters
Image caption A police officer with a gun faced off against an indigenous man with a bow and arrow

Members of indigenous groups clashed with riot police in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia, on Tuesday.

Thousands gathered in front of the Congress building to demand more land rights and protest against the encroachment of their land by loggers and farmers.

Campaigners say 13 indigenous people died in land conflicts last year.

Police said they had to use force when some protesters tried to reach a ramp leading into Congress.

A Brazilian indigenous person stand in a protest next to Explanada dos Ministerios in Brasilia, Brazil, on 25 April 2017 Image copyright EPA
Image caption Many of the indigenous protesters wore their traditional headdresses
Brazilian indigenous people shoot arrows during a protest at Explanada dos Ministerios in Brasilia, Brazil, on 25 April 2017. Image copyright EPA
Image caption Police said the clashes started when protesters tried to access a ramp leading into Congress
Brazilian indigenous person with a bow during a protest at Explanada dos Ministerios in Brasilia, Brazil, on 25 April 2017. Image copyright EPA
Image caption Some of the protesters were carrying bows and arrows
A member of the Brazilian police gathers arrows fired by Brazilian natives during a protest at Explanada dos Ministerios in Brasilia, Brazil, on 25 April 2017 Image copyright EPA
Image caption Police said no one was injured by the arrows fired
A member of an indigenous group stands before a group of riot police with shields during a land right protest in Brasilia on 25 April 2017 Image copyright AFP
Image caption Riot police with shields tried to block the protesters from advancing
Brazilian indigenous protesters take part in a demonstration in Brasilia, Brazil April 25, 2017 Image copyright Reuters
Image caption The protesters carried coffins meant to symbolise the number of indigenous people killed
Riot police fire tear gas toward brazilian Indians during a demonstration against the violation of indigenous people"s rights, in Brasilia, Brazil April 25, 2017 Image copyright Reuters
Image caption Police fired tear gas at the protesters...
Indigenous protesters kick at canisters of tear gas at a demonstration in Brasilia on 25 April 2017 Image copyright Reuters
Image caption ...and the protesters tried to kick the canisters back

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