Brazil's government is facing an outcry from rights groups and social movements following the violent Jan. 22 eviction of a favela (informal settlement) that the media have dubbed the "Massacre do Pinheirinho." A reprieve brokered by the federal government for negotiations over the disputed land was unilaterally breached by São Paulo state authorities, and some 2,000 Military Police backed up with helicopters and armored vehicles ordered in. The troops descended on the site without warning, using tear gas, rubber bullets, and truncheons to disperse frightened residents. But apparently well-drilled to resist eviction, some residents quickly donned improvised weapons and homemade body armor and attempted to block the police advance. The images widely circulated on Brazilian social media, leading to widespread protests in support of the evicted residents.

Photo: UK Indymedia