The country could see its largest protest so far for the
Selecao's upcoming Confederations Cup clash, in which Fifa president Sepp
Blatter is to attend
Around 100,000 people are set to take to the streets of
Belo Horizonte to protest on Wednesday ahead of Brazil's Confederations Cup
semi-final with Uruguay.
It is just the latest in a number of demonstrations which
have filled the country's cities in recent days and, with it being a holiday in
the capital of Minas Gerais, authorities are expecting the largest turnout so
far.
The Public Ministry of the city had suggested the
semi-final be postponed out of fears for people's safety, but the police have
since guaranteed the public's welfare following the decision to draft in
reinforcements from Brazil's national guard.
The march, which is being organised by the city's
residents and co-ordinated via social networking platforms, is fuelled by the
population's anger that the government is ignoring its country's public service
issues while focusing its attentions on hosting of sporting events such as the
World Cup next summer - the cost of which is believed to be a source of much of
the hostility.
Despite Wednesday's demonstration being planned as a a
peaceful protest, concerns have been raised after its organisers said on social
networking sites they expect people to wear items including a long-sleeved
shirt, pants, gloves, goggles and a handkerchief to cover their face.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter is expected to be in
attendance for the match, though it is not known whether or not the increased
security has been implemented due to his presence.
Brazil striker Fred, who is expected to start against
Uruguay, revealed how he supports the protest and hopes the demonstration can
pass without incident.
"I'm in favour of the protests because the people
deserve better," he said. "It has to be done without violence and
vandalism though.
"I'm hoping it will be peaceful tomorrow, without
confrontations with the police."
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