RIO DE JANEIRO - Several thousand people clashed with police in Rio, calling for a "boycott" of the Olympic Games less than a month ahead of an event plagued by a financial crisis, pollution and crime Most of the protesters, who included a radical anarchist group of demonstrators clad in black clothing and wearing face-concealing items, were teachers who have been on strike for three months demanding payment of back wages.
The Rio state government is nearly bankrupt and recently received federal aid of some $870 million to handle public safety expenses for the Games.
"This government says it has no money for health, for education, but it has no money for the Olympics. That's absurd! This is why public servants are on the streets to fight for our rights," said Edson Cunha, a 41-year-old teacher.
Nearby, another protester held a sign that read: "Olympic death note: here lies Rio."
In addition to slogans against the Games, protesters also criticized the regional government and Brazil's interim president, Michel Temer.
As the demonstration was being broken up, several radical protesters threw stones and smashed bus stops, prompting police to respond with stun grenades.
At least six people were arrested.
Before and during the 2013 Confederations Cup and in the months leading to the 2014 World Cup, several massive protests also took place against the government's huge investments to build football stadiums for the events.
Demonstrators asked for improvements in public services such as education, transport and health at the time as well.