The United States is closely monitoring protests in Brazil that have brought more than a million people out onto the streets, and called Friday for the demonstrators to remain calm.
“Our position is clear, whether it’s Brazil or other countries in the world, that peaceful demonstrations are part of what democracy is all about,” Acting State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell told reporters.
US embassy officials have however issued security notices for US citizens urging them to avoid “protests and areas where large gatherings may occur.”
“Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence,” the message reads.
In Rio on Thursday riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets, then charged a large crowd after a smaller group hurled rocks at the officers.
Ventrell said however that the United States was not taking any position on the causes of the protests. The crowds are demanding better public services and are also angered by the huge cost of hosting the World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
“I don’t think we’re in a position to judge on the merits one way or another,” Ventrell said, adding it was for the “Brazilian people to raise the issues of concern to them.”
US urges calm from Brazil protesters
