Anti-austerity protesters clash with police, block roads, start fires in Rio (WATCH LIVE)

https://www.rt.com/news/386515-rio-protesters-austerity-clashes/

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Clashes have broken out between protesting workers and police in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Workers are against freezes on public spending and changes to pensions and job protection.

Protesters have erected barricades across the roads and are burning office furniture and tyres.

The rally participants have also thrown projectiles at riot police.

Police have deployed water cannons against the demonstrators. 

Clouds of smoke, can be seen in the center of Rio.

Riot police have been filmed using smoke grenades against protesters in Rio de Janeiro.

The general strike is the first in two decades in Brazil. The strike is being accompanied by massive demonstrations held across the country.

Millions of people have joined the strike, according to local media estimates. "It is going to be the biggest strike in the history of Brazil," Paulo Pereira da Silva, the president of trade union group Forca Sindical, said, Reuters reported.

In Sao Paulo, protesters have blocked the main road leading to the airport.

Brazilian Indians also joined the demonstrations.