FILE - In this June 30, 2013 file photo, military police fire tear gas at protestors near Maracana stadium as Brazil and Spain play the final Confederations Cup soccer match in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil has created a special riot force to help police control demonstrations expected during the 2014 World Cup, and authorities say they will not let protesters get too close to the stadiums. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, File)
January 03, 2014 - 6:56 AM
SAO PAULO - Brazil has created a special riot force to help police control demonstrations expected during the World Cup later this year.
Col. Alexandre Augusto Aragon heads the elite National Security Force. He tells the G1 Internet portal that 10,000 riot troops selected from state police forces throughout Brazil will be deployed in the 12 cities hosting World Cup games June 12-July 13.
Violent street demonstrations broke out last June protesting corruption, poor public services and a host of other complaints. The protests coincided with the Confederations Cup, a warm-up tournament for the World Cup.
The Black Bloc anarchist movement has announced plans for demonstrations for the World Cup, starting with the opening match on June 12 in Sao Paulo.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014