Ministerial building set on fire during Brazil clashesMay 25, 2017 - 11:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Angry demonstrators in Brasilia have started a fire inside the ministry of agriculture and have damaged several other ministerial buildings, BBC News reports. Brazilian authorities estimate around 35,000 are marching in the capital. Troops are being deployed to defend government buildings and there is a heavy police presence on the streets. Protesters are demanding the resignation of President Michel Temer, fresh elections, and for economic reform plans to be withdrawn. Temer has faced new corruption allegations in the last week, and is facing growing pressure to step down. According to reports, several ministries are being evacuated because of the protests - but not before the agriculture ministry was damaged. "There was an invasion of the ministry's private entrance. They lit a fire in a room, broke photos in a gallery of ex-ministers and confronted police," a spokesman told the AFP news agency. There have been clashes between police and demonstrators and local media report one person has been injured and several have been detained. Planned demonstrations began peacefully around midday before clashes with police erupted. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at some demonstrators, and video footage showed other members of the crowd smashing windows or setting makeshift barriers afire. Last week, testimony released by the country's supreme court alleged that Temer had taken millions of dollars in bribes since 2010. The plea-bargain testimony came from bosses of a giant meat-packing firm. In response, Temer vowed to prove his innocence and remain as president while so doing. On Saturday, May 20 he filed a petition to have the investigation suspended, but reversed that decision on Tuesday. Temer took office a year ago after his predecessor, President Dilma Rousseff, was impeached. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |