Neymar was ruled out of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-loses-brazil-captaincy-to-dani-alves-for-copa-america-222156&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi63f23rNTiAhUHi3AKHd_oBWcQFjAJegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15S__K6EsX7sfNWRtenqPB">Copa America</a> Thursday after tearing his right ankle ligament during Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Qatar.

"Due to the seriousness of the injury, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/depression-injuries-rape-allegation-and-more-heres-a-look-back-at-neymars-difficult-season-224188&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi26dmhrNTiAhVt63MBHa6BC0kQFjADegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Xf2doQcvck4P40bUgdnP3">Neymar </a>will neither be fit nor have time to recuperate sufficiently to participate" in the tournament, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said in a statement.

The injury to the world's most expensive footballer is a big blow to the hosts' preparations for South American continental championship, which begins in just over a week's time.

A distraught-looking Neymar was seen covering his face with his hands as he sat on the bench after hobbling from the field in the 20th minute at Brasilia's Mane Garrincha Stadium on Wednesday night.

A large ice pack had been strapped to the Paris Saint-Germain striker's lower right leg while two members of Brazil's support staff carried him from the pitch.

The injury comes just nine days before Brazil's opening Copa America game against Bolivia.

Minutes after Richarlison had opened the scoring in the 17th minute, Neymar was substituted with the CBF saying he had suffered "a ligament rupture at the level of the right ankle".

With Neymar ruled out, the host nation face an uphill battle to win South America's continental championship for the first time since 2007.

Rape Allegation 
 
Neymar's ankle injury was just the latest twist in the soap opera surrounding the striker, who has dominated headlines in Brazil since Saturday after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/woman-who-accused-brazils-neymar-of-rape-gives-details-in-tv-interview-224860">woman accused him of raping her</a> in a Paris hotel.&nbsp;

Neymar has strongly denied the allegations, published intimate images on social media in his defence and had continued to train with his Brazilian team-mates for the Copa America, which kicks off June 14.

Earlier on Wednesday, the CBF president Rogerio Caboclo had insisted for the second time this week that Neymar would play in the Copa America despite the seriousness of the allegations.

Caboclo's assurances, who cost PSG a world record fee of 222 million euros ($248 million) in 2017, came after CBF vice president Francisco Noveletto was quoted by Brazilian media Tuesday as saying he was willing to "bet" that Neymar would quit.

"He doesn't have the psychological condition to face the Copa America and journalists," Noveletto said.

Caboclo responded by saying Noveletto did not speak "for the CBF," Globoesporte.com said.&nbsp;

'Difficult moment'

Hours ahead of Brazil's friendly against Qatar in Brasilia Wednesday, far-right <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-defends-neymar-against-rape-accusation-224846">President Jair Bolsonaro</a> offered his public backing for the embattled player.&nbsp;

"He's going through a difficult moment but I believe him," said Bolsonaro.&nbsp;

At a news conference Monday, national coach Tite was bombarded with questions about the affair and its effect on the squad.

Attempting to sidestep the issue, Tite said he would "not judge" Neymar, who he said was "indispensable" to the team, but not "irreplaceable" either.

The scandal caps a troubled season for the player, on and off the field. It has been marred by a recurring injury, two separate suspensions for insulting a referee and hitting a fan, and the loss of Brazil's captaincy.&nbsp;

Neymar was ruled out of the Copa America Thursday after tearing his right ankle ligament during Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Qatar. "Due to the seriousness of the injury, Neymar will neither be fit nor have time to recuperate sufficiently to participate" in the tournament, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said in a statement.

Neymar was ruled out of the Copa America Thursday after tearing his right ankle ligament during Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Qatar. "Due to the seriousness of the injury, Neymar will neither be fit nor have time to recuperate sufficiently to participate" in the tournament, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said in a statement. The injury to the world's most expensive footballer is a big blow to the hosts' preparations for South American continental championship, which begins in just over a week's time. A distraught-looking Neymar was seen covering his face with his hands as he sat on the bench after hobbling from the field in the 20th minute at Brasilia's Mane Garrincha Stadium on Wednesday night. A large ice pack had been strapped to the Paris Saint-Germain striker's lower right leg while two members of Brazil's support staff carried him from the pitch. The injury comes just nine days before Brazil's opening Copa America game against Bolivia. Minutes after Richarlison had opened the scoring in the 17th minute, Neymar was substituted with the CBF saying he had suffered "a ligament rupture at the level of the right ankle". With Neymar ruled out, the host nation face an uphill battle to win South America's continental championship for the first time since 2007. Rape Allegation Neymar's ankle injury was just the latest twist in the soap opera surrounding the striker, who has dominated headlines in Brazil since Saturday after a woman accused him of raping her in a Paris hotel. Neymar has strongly denied the allegations, published intimate images on social media in his defence and had continued to train with his Brazilian team-mates for the Copa America, which kicks off June 14. Earlier on Wednesday, the CBF president Rogerio Caboclo had insisted for the second time this week that Neymar would play in the Copa America despite the seriousness of the allegations. Caboclo's assurances, who cost PSG a world record fee of 222 million euros ($248 million) in 2017, came after CBF vice president Francisco Noveletto was quoted by Brazilian media Tuesday as saying he was willing to "bet" that Neymar would quit. "He doesn't have the psychological condition to face the Copa America and journalists," Noveletto said. Caboclo responded by saying Noveletto did not speak "for the CBF," Globoesporte.com said. 'Difficult moment' Hours ahead of Brazil's friendly against Qatar in Brasilia Wednesday, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro offered his public backing for the embattled player. "He's going through a difficult moment but I believe him," said Bolsonaro. At a news conference Monday, national coach Tite was bombarded with questions about the affair and its effect on the squad. Attempting to sidestep the issue, Tite said he would "not judge" Neymar, who he said was "indispensable" to the team, but not "irreplaceable" either. The scandal caps a troubled season for the player, on and off the field. It has been marred by a recurring injury, two separate suspensions for insulting a referee and hitting a fan, and the loss of Brazil's captaincy.

Brazil's Neymar out of Copa America after tearing ankle ligament

Depression, injuries, rape allegation and more, here's a look back at Neymar's difficult season

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-hits-half-century-as-psg-are-held-by-nice-215990&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7-oaexL3iAhUKMo8KHcdQAYwQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1LKGxd0ZQJMMFwwyRfw8CZ">Neymar </a>has been replaced as captain of the Brazil national team for next month's Copa America by Paris St Germain team-mate Dani Alves, the country`s football federation (CBF) has said.

The Copa America will be played from June 14 to July 7, with hosts Brazil, who have not won the title since 2007, taking on Bolivia in the opening match in Sao Paulo before facing Venezuela and Peru.

"Daniel Alves will be captain of the Brazilian national team in the friendly matches against Qatar and Honduras and in Copa America Brazil 2019," the CBF said in a statement.

Right back Alves, who has 138 caps for Brazil, was informed of his new role on Sunday. The 36-year-old has captained his country on four previous occasions, the last of which was a 1-0 friendly victory over Germany in 2018.

Brazil coach Tite had named Neymar permanent captain a few months after Brazil's World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Belgium last year but has been under pressure to replace the 27-year-old due to his disciplinary issues.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-handed-three-match-ban-for-fan-altercation-in-french-cup-final-217490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7-oaexL3iAhUKMo8KHcdQAYwQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ZV0zl-SpKnCouiLFL6tU8">Neymar was banned for three matches</a> by the French football authorities earlier this month for hitting a fan after PSG's French Cup final loss to Stade Rennes and was also reportedly involved in a dressing fracas with his PSG teammates.&nbsp;

Tite informed him on Saturday that he would not captain Brazil at the Copa America, the CBF said.

Neymar has been replaced as captain of the Brazil national team for next month's Copa America by Paris St Germain team-mate Dani Alves, the country`s football federation (CBF) has said.

Neymar has been replaced as captain of the Brazil national team for next month's Copa America by Paris St Germain team-mate Dani Alves, the country`s football federation (CBF) has said. The Copa America will be played from June 14 to July 7, with hosts Brazil, who have not won the title since 2007, taking on Bolivia in the opening match in Sao Paulo before facing Venezuela and Peru. "Daniel Alves will be captain of the Brazilian national team in the friendly matches against Qatar and Honduras and in Copa America Brazil 2019," the CBF said in a statement. Right back Alves, who has 138 caps for Brazil, was informed of his new role on Sunday. The 36-year-old has captained his country on four previous occasions, the last of which was a 1-0 friendly victory over Germany in 2018. Brazil coach Tite had named Neymar permanent captain a few months after Brazil's World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Belgium last year but has been under pressure to replace the 27-year-old due to his disciplinary issues. Neymar was banned for three matches by the French football authorities earlier this month for hitting a fan after PSG's French Cup final loss to Stade Rennes and was also reportedly involved in a dressing fracas with his PSG teammates. Tite informed him on Saturday that he would not captain Brazil at the Copa America, the CBF said.

Neymar loses Brazil captaincy to Dani Alves for Copa America

At least 40 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-between-prisoners-in-brazil-jail-leave-15-dead-official-221848">prisoners in Brazil</a> were found strangled to death on Monday in four jails in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus, where a fight between rival prison gangs resulted in 15 dead the day before, authorities said.

A federal task force is being sent to Manaus in an effort to halt the violence. Prison clashes often spread rapidly in Brazil, where drug gangs have de facto control over nearly all jails.

In January 2017, nearly 150 prisoners died during three weeks of violence in the north and northeastern Brazil, as local gangs backed by Brazil's two largest drug factions - the First Capital Command and the Red Command - butchered one another.

A statement from the Amazonas state penitentiary department revised to 40 from an earlier 42 the number of deaths that took place on Monday and said authorities had regained control of the four prisons. No other details were provided.

At least 15 inmates were killed at a jail in Manaus on Sunday, with authorities saying those who died were choked and stabbed to death.

Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has vowed to regain control of the country's prisons - along with building many more jails.

But the vast majority of jails are administered at the state level. For decades they have been badly overcrowded and out of control of local authorities, essentially serving as recruiting centres for drug gangs.

At least 40 prisoners in Brazil were found strangled to death on Monday in four jails in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus, where a fight between rival prison gangs resulted in 15 dead the day before, authorities said.

At least 40 prisoners in Brazil were found strangled to death on Monday in four jails in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus, where a fight between rival prison gangs resulted in 15 dead the day before, authorities said. A federal task force is being sent to Manaus in an effort to halt the violence. Prison clashes often spread rapidly in Brazil, where drug gangs have de facto control over nearly all jails. In January 2017, nearly 150 prisoners died during three weeks of violence in the north and northeastern Brazil, as local gangs backed by Brazil's two largest drug factions - the First Capital Command and the Red Command - butchered one another. A statement from the Amazonas state penitentiary department revised to 40 from an earlier 42 the number of deaths that took place on Monday and said authorities had regained control of the four prisons. No other details were provided. At least 15 inmates were killed at a jail in Manaus on Sunday, with authorities saying those who died were choked and stabbed to death. Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has vowed to regain control of the country's prisons - along with building many more jails. But the vast majority of jails are administered at the state level. For decades they have been badly overcrowded and out of control of local authorities, essentially serving as recruiting centres for drug gangs.

At least 40 inmates strangled to death in Amazon prison gang clashes

A riot between inmates in a prison in the Brazilian city of Manaus ended with 15 dead on Sunday (May 26). The riot began during visiting hours at the prison, and prisoners' family members also protested outside the facility, blocking a road and clashing with police.

Prison gang clashes leave dozens dead over past two days in Brazil

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the transfer of central defender Felipe from the Portuguese club Porto on a three-year deal.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old joined Porto in 2016 from Corinthians, winning the 2018 Portuguese league title and Super Cup, making 142 appearances for the club.&nbsp;

In a statement released to the Lisbon stock exchange late Monday, Porto said that Atletico had agreed to pay 20 million euros ($22.4 million) for Felipe Augusto de Almeida Monteiro who joined Porto from Corinthians of Sao Paulo in June 2016, just after winning his solitary Brazil cap.

This summer, Atletico Madrid have lost their captain, the 33-year-old Uruguayan centre back Diego Godin, who said he was quitting the club after nine seasons.&nbsp;

"Felipe is a versatile, experienced centre-back with leadership skills who was the captain at his previous club. The 30-year-old arrived at FC Porto in 2016, following impressive performances at Corinthians," read an official statement of Atletico Madrid.&nbsp;

The statement further added, "The Brazilian is a fast centre-back who is able to play the ball out of defence and is always a threat in the air."

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Agreement with <a href="https://twitter.com/FCPorto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCPorto</a> over Felipe, pending International Transfer Certificate (ITC). The centre-back is to join on July 4 for the next three seasons. 
➡ <a href="https://t.co/xovSB4txLH">https://t.co/xovSB4txLH</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/A%C3%BApaAtleti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AúpaAtleti</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZiKOXKqjj8">pic.twitter.com/ZiKOXKqjj8</a>
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) <a href="https://twitter.com/atletienglish/status/1133306446215622657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He won several titles at the Brazilian club, such as the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup, the 2013 Campeonato Paulista and the 2015 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.&nbsp;

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the transfer of central defender Felipe from the Portuguese club Porto on a three-year deal. The 30-year-old joined Porto in 2016 from Corinthians, winning the 2018 Portuguese league title and Super Cup, making 142 appearances for the club.

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the transfer of central defender Felipe from the Portuguese club Porto on a three-year deal. The 30-year-old joined Porto in 2016 from Corinthians, winning the 2018 Portuguese league title and Super Cup, making 142 appearances for the club. In a statement released to the Lisbon stock exchange late Monday, Porto said that Atletico had agreed to pay 20 million euros ($22.4 million) for Felipe Augusto de Almeida Monteiro who joined Porto from Corinthians of Sao Paulo in June 2016, just after winning his solitary Brazil cap. This summer, Atletico Madrid have lost their captain, the 33-year-old Uruguayan centre back Diego Godin, who said he was quitting the club after nine seasons. "Felipe is a versatile, experienced centre-back with leadership skills who was the captain at his previous club. The 30-year-old arrived at FC Porto in 2016, following impressive performances at Corinthians," read an official statement of Atletico Madrid. The statement further added, "The Brazilian is a fast centre-back who is able to play the ball out of defence and is always a threat in the air." Agreement with @FCPorto over Felipe, pending International Transfer Certificate (ITC). The centre-back is to join on July 4 for the next three seasons. ➡ https://t.co/xovSB4txLH#AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/ZiKOXKqjj8 — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 28, 2019 × He won several titles at the Brazilian club, such as the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup, the 2013 Campeonato Paulista and the 2015 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.

Atletico Madrid sign Brazilian defender Felipe

Thousands of Brazilians braced Monday for the possible collapse of another tailings dam owned by mining giant Vale that threatens to spew millions of tons of toxic sludge over towns, rivers and forest.

The latest emergency comes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-brazil-dam-burst-likely-had-same-cause-as-previous-one-official-194495">four months after 242 people were killed</a> when a dam burst at another Vale-owned mine.

Vale and emergency services have warned that a section of the defunct Gongo Soco mine in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais is at risk of disintegrating, which could rupture the Sul Superior dam 1.5 kilometres (nearly one mile) away.

More than 400 people living around the dam, which holds nearly seven million cubic meters (247 million cubic feet) of mining waste, were evacuated in early February after monitoring systems detected abnormal movement in the northern slope of the mine, which was closed in 2016.&nbsp;

The slope usually shifts about 10 centimetres (four inches) a year, but that has accelerated in recent months. In the past few days, it has topped 20cm a day, local media reported Monday.

Around 6,000 inhabitants in Barao de Cocais municipality who are living in the so-called secondary safety zone have been on high alert, performing evacuation drills in preparation for the potential disaster.&nbsp;

They will have less than an hour and a half to reach safety.

Vale has "teams in a state of permanent readiness" but it said there was "no technical data that can confirm whether the eventual slippage will trigger a breach of the dam," according to its latest update on Friday.

"All preventive measures" have been taken, it added.

Apart from monitoring the dam 24-hours a day,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-brazil-dam-collapse-raises-fears-of-environmental-woes-194307"> Vale</a> has been building a containment wall six kilometres downstream and installing barriers to slow a potential flood in the hope of containing displaced material.

Another upstream tailings dam owned by Vale collapsed January 25, killing 242 people in one of Brazil's worst industrial disasters.

Emergency workers are still searching for 28 people listed as missing but almost certainly dead, according to the latest figures released Saturday.

That dam collapse was the second such disaster involving Vale in three years and forced the company to suspend operations at several mines.&nbsp;

Brazil has since banned the construction of new upstream dams, which are cheaper but less stable than other types of tailings dams, and ordered the decommissioning of existing ones.

Thousands of Brazilians braced Monday for the possible collapse of another tailings dam owned by mining giant Vale that threatens to spew millions of tons of toxic sludge over towns, rivers and forest.

Thousands of Brazilians braced Monday for the possible collapse of another tailings dam owned by mining giant Vale that threatens to spew millions of tons of toxic sludge over towns, rivers and forest. The latest emergency comes four months after 242 people were killed when a dam burst at another Vale-owned mine. Vale and emergency services have warned that a section of the defunct Gongo Soco mine in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais is at risk of disintegrating, which could rupture the Sul Superior dam 1.5 kilometres (nearly one mile) away. More than 400 people living around the dam, which holds nearly seven million cubic meters (247 million cubic feet) of mining waste, were evacuated in early February after monitoring systems detected abnormal movement in the northern slope of the mine, which was closed in 2016. The slope usually shifts about 10 centimetres (four inches) a year, but that has accelerated in recent months. In the past few days, it has topped 20cm a day, local media reported Monday. Around 6,000 inhabitants in Barao de Cocais municipality who are living in the so-called secondary safety zone have been on high alert, performing evacuation drills in preparation for the potential disaster. They will have less than an hour and a half to reach safety. Vale has "teams in a state of permanent readiness" but it said there was "no technical data that can confirm whether the eventual slippage will trigger a breach of the dam," according to its latest update on Friday. "All preventive measures" have been taken, it added. Apart from monitoring the dam 24-hours a day, Vale has been building a containment wall six kilometres downstream and installing barriers to slow a potential flood in the hope of containing displaced material. Another upstream tailings dam owned by Vale collapsed January 25, killing 242 people in one of Brazil's worst industrial disasters. Emergency workers are still searching for 28 people listed as missing but almost certainly dead, according to the latest figures released Saturday. That dam collapse was the second such disaster involving Vale in three years and forced the company to suspend operations at several mines. Brazil has since banned the construction of new upstream dams, which are cheaper but less stable than other types of tailings dams, and ordered the decommissioning of existing ones.

Hundreds of people evacuated as Brazil braces for another tailings dam collapse

Thousands took to the street of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday to show their support for far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro backers take to streets in Brazil

Thousands of supporters of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro took to the streets across Brazil Sunday in a protest seen as a gauge of the embattled leader's popularity only five months into his term.

Waving Brazilian flags and chanting Bolsonaro's nickname "Mito" or "Myth," protesters wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "My party is Brazil" demanded lawmakers speed up approval of the government's signature pension reform, which has stalled in Congress.

His supporters blamed "satanic manoeuvres" by the head of the lower house, Rodrigo Maia, for stalling the reform.

Bolsonaro, who was in Rio for a family wedding and had previously announced that he would not to take part in the demonstrations, shared pictures and videos of the protests on Twitter.

"Most of the people came out on the streets with legitimate, democratic concerns," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Former paratrooper Geralmir dos Santos gathered with the thousands of noisy protesters along Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach.

"Politicians have to understand that Brazil does not belong to them," the 50-year-old told AFP.

At a demonstration in Brazil's biggest city of Sao Paulo, Andre Santos told AFP, "There's no point wasting more time, they have to approve it."

The protests, organized by Bolsonaro's most hard-line supporters, are aimed at shoring up the ultraconservative government as it faces growing opposition.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of students and teachers took to the streets on May 15 to protest against the government's plans to freeze 30 per cent of discretionary spending for public universities in the second half of the year.

Rising unemployment, slowing economic growth and deepening discord within his administration has further eroded Bolsonaro's popularity since taking power in January.

His controversial order earlier this month permitting millions of Brazilians to carry loaded weapons in public has fuelled anger, sparked a legal challenge and added to his woes in Congress, where his relations with key leaders such as Maia had already deteriorated.

'Help our president'&nbsp;

Bolsonaro's ambitious overhaul of Brazil's pension system -- which he has warned will bankrupt the country if his proposal is not approved -- is seen as key to getting a pipeline of economic policies through Congress.&nbsp;

But the changes to Brazil's retirement age and benefits are facing resistance in the lower house of Congress, where Bolsonaro's ultraconservative Social Liberal Party has only around 10 per cent of the seats.&nbsp;

Economy minister Paulo Guedes, who is spearheading the government's reform agenda, threatened Friday to resign if the pension bill was not passed or was watered down.

"We will not have money to pay officials, it will be chaos in the public sector," Guedes told Veja magazine. "Reform is urgent."

The government's proposal is designed to yield savings of around one trillion reais (roughly $250 billion) over a decade, but analysts expect the actual amount will be more like 500-700 billion reais by the time the bill is approved later this year.

The pension bill is one of several economic reforms seen as crucial to helping Brazil reduce its massive public debt burden, which the International Monetary Fund said Friday was 88 per cent of GDP -- one of the largest among its peers.

Official data this week is expected to show that Latin America's biggest economy, which is still struggling to recover from the devastating 2015-2016 recession, contracted in the first quarter.&nbsp;

Some of the protesters in Rio called for "military intervention" as in 1964 when a military coup ushered in decades of army rule in Brazil.

Others expressed more sober demands, such as "Let's help our president rebuild our Brazil."&nbsp;

"I am here for the pension reform, which will be good for the poor," said Janelsa Salomao, 59, in Rio.&nbsp;"Those who do not want it are corrupt."&nbsp;

Thousands of supporters of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro took to the streets across Brazil Sunday in a protest seen as a gauge of the embattled leader's popularity only five months into his term.

Thousands of supporters of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro took to the streets across Brazil Sunday in a protest seen as a gauge of the embattled leader's popularity only five months into his term. Waving Brazilian flags and chanting Bolsonaro's nickname "Mito" or "Myth," protesters wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "My party is Brazil" demanded lawmakers speed up approval of the government's signature pension reform, which has stalled in Congress. His supporters blamed "satanic manoeuvres" by the head of the lower house, Rodrigo Maia, for stalling the reform. Bolsonaro, who was in Rio for a family wedding and had previously announced that he would not to take part in the demonstrations, shared pictures and videos of the protests on Twitter. "Most of the people came out on the streets with legitimate, democratic concerns," he tweeted. Former paratrooper Geralmir dos Santos gathered with the thousands of noisy protesters along Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach. "Politicians have to understand that Brazil does not belong to them," the 50-year-old told AFP. At a demonstration in Brazil's biggest city of Sao Paulo, Andre Santos told AFP, "There's no point wasting more time, they have to approve it." The protests, organized by Bolsonaro's most hard-line supporters, are aimed at shoring up the ultraconservative government as it faces growing opposition. Tens of thousands of students and teachers took to the streets on May 15 to protest against the government's plans to freeze 30 per cent of discretionary spending for public universities in the second half of the year. Rising unemployment, slowing economic growth and deepening discord within his administration has further eroded Bolsonaro's popularity since taking power in January. His controversial order earlier this month permitting millions of Brazilians to carry loaded weapons in public has fuelled anger, sparked a legal challenge and added to his woes in Congress, where his relations with key leaders such as Maia had already deteriorated. 'Help our president' Bolsonaro's ambitious overhaul of Brazil's pension system -- which he has warned will bankrupt the country if his proposal is not approved -- is seen as key to getting a pipeline of economic policies through Congress. But the changes to Brazil's retirement age and benefits are facing resistance in the lower house of Congress, where Bolsonaro's ultraconservative Social Liberal Party has only around 10 per cent of the seats. Economy minister Paulo Guedes, who is spearheading the government's reform agenda, threatened Friday to resign if the pension bill was not passed or was watered down. "We will not have money to pay officials, it will be chaos in the public sector," Guedes told Veja magazine. "Reform is urgent." The government's proposal is designed to yield savings of around one trillion reais (roughly $250 billion) over a decade, but analysts expect the actual amount will be more like 500-700 billion reais by the time the bill is approved later this year. The pension bill is one of several economic reforms seen as crucial to helping Brazil reduce its massive public debt burden, which the International Monetary Fund said Friday was 88 per cent of GDP -- one of the largest among its peers. Official data this week is expected to show that Latin America's biggest economy, which is still struggling to recover from the devastating 2015-2016 recession, contracted in the first quarter. Some of the protesters in Rio called for "military intervention" as in 1964 when a military coup ushered in decades of army rule in Brazil. Others expressed more sober demands, such as "Let's help our president rebuild our Brazil." "I am here for the pension reform, which will be good for the poor," said Janelsa Salomao, 59, in Rio. "Those who do not want it are corrupt."

Thousands of pro-Bolsonaro protesters demand reforms in Brazil

A group of gunmen has killed 11 people in a bar in Brazil, according to media reports, with state officials confirming only at “a massacre” had occurred.

Brazil bar 'massacre': 11 people killed by a group of gunmen

Brazilian authorities say there has been a “massacre” in the country’s northern Para state without releasing any details, while Brazilian news media say gunmen attacked a bar in Belem City and killed 11 people.

The shooting took place in the city of Belem, the public safety department of northern Para state said.

There was no immediate word on the motive of the shooting.

The attackers fled but the news website G1 quoted police as saying one was wounded and is in police custody.

The fatalities are six women and five men, media reports.

Seven men carried out the shooting after arriving on a motorcycle and in three cars, said G1. They fled after the attack.

The bar where the shooting took place is in a neighbourhood which got police reinforcements in March to fight crime.

(With inputs from AFP)

Brazilian authorities say there has been a “massacre” in the country’s northern Para state without releasing any details, while Brazilian news media say gunmen attacked a bar in Belem City and killed 11 people.

Brazilian authorities say there has been a “massacre” in the country’s northern Para state without releasing any details, while Brazilian news media say gunmen attacked a bar in Belem City and killed 11 people. The shooting took place in the city of Belem, the public safety department of northern Para state said. There was no immediate word on the motive of the shooting. The attackers fled but the news website G1 quoted police as saying one was wounded and is in police custody. The fatalities are six women and five men, media reports. Seven men carried out the shooting after arriving on a motorcycle and in three cars, said G1. They fled after the attack. The bar where the shooting took place is in a neighbourhood which got police reinforcements in March to fight crime. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil bar shooting: 11 killed in ‘massacre’ after gunman fires in Belem City

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in cities across Brazil on Wednesday to rally against education spending freezes in the biggest demonstrations yet against President Jair Bolsonaro, who called marchers "useful idiots and imbeciles."

Brazil's National Student Union called for protests against what it called spending cuts, after the Education Ministry said it was freezing nearly a quarter of discretionary spending due to the government's precarious fiscal situation.

The marches in over 200 cities, according to a count by the Globo TV network, mark the first national protests against the administration of the far-right Bolsonaro, whose poll numbers are falling as he struggles with a weak economy, rising unemployment, an unruly coalition in Congress and infighting within his cabinet.

Speaking in Dallas, Texas, where he travelled to attend a gala dinner, Bolsonaro denied his government had cut education budgets and cast the protests as a partisan spectacle.

"They are useful idiots, imbeciles, who are being used as the manoeuvring mass of a clever little minority who make up the nucleus of many federal universities in Brazil," he said.

A peaceful rally of thousands in central Rio de Janeiro turned violent as the protest was ending, with unknown assailants setting a bus ablaze and shooting fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas to break a crowd up. There was no word on any injuries.

In the capital Brasilia some 7,000 students and university professors marched to Congress, carrying signs against the cuts. One said: "Education is not an expense, it is an investment." Another read: "Without investment there is no knowledge."

"Our message to Bolsonaro is that society will not accept these cuts of 30 percent," said marcher Luis Antonio Pasquetti, head of the National University of Brasilia's teacher union.

There was no official nationwide crowd estimate available, but the protests were likely the largest such gatherings since the 2016 impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff.

"The importance is to show that civil society is organized against these cuts," said Rodrigo Tonieto, 22, in Sao Paulo. "Together, we are going to say 'no' to the Bolsonaro government ... To say 'no' to the mess that this government is."

Called to explain the cuts to lawmakers in Congress, Education Minister Abraham Weintraub blamed the situation on the legacy of the previous government, while defending a shift away from spending on universities to favor elementary schools.

"The priority is preschool, elementary school and technical school," he said. "A scientific, technical, number-based, efficient and managerial approach is vital to save this country from the economic stagnation of the last 20 years that we are living."

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in cities across Brazil on Wednesday to rally against education spending freezes in the biggest demonstrations yet against President Jair Bolsonaro, who called marchers "useful idiots and imbeciles.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in cities across Brazil on Wednesday to rally against education spending freezes in the biggest demonstrations yet against President Jair Bolsonaro, who called marchers "useful idiots and imbeciles." Brazil's National Student Union called for protests against what it called spending cuts, after the Education Ministry said it was freezing nearly a quarter of discretionary spending due to the government's precarious fiscal situation. The marches in over 200 cities, according to a count by the Globo TV network, mark the first national protests against the administration of the far-right Bolsonaro, whose poll numbers are falling as he struggles with a weak economy, rising unemployment, an unruly coalition in Congress and infighting within his cabinet. Speaking in Dallas, Texas, where he travelled to attend a gala dinner, Bolsonaro denied his government had cut education budgets and cast the protests as a partisan spectacle. "They are useful idiots, imbeciles, who are being used as the manoeuvring mass of a clever little minority who make up the nucleus of many federal universities in Brazil," he said. A peaceful rally of thousands in central Rio de Janeiro turned violent as the protest was ending, with unknown assailants setting a bus ablaze and shooting fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas to break a crowd up. There was no word on any injuries. In the capital Brasilia some 7,000 students and university professors marched to Congress, carrying signs against the cuts. One said: "Education is not an expense, it is an investment." Another read: "Without investment there is no knowledge." "Our message to Bolsonaro is that society will not accept these cuts of 30 percent," said marcher Luis Antonio Pasquetti, head of the National University of Brasilia's teacher union. There was no official nationwide crowd estimate available, but the protests were likely the largest such gatherings since the 2016 impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff. "The importance is to show that civil society is organized against these cuts," said Rodrigo Tonieto, 22, in Sao Paulo. "Together, we are going to say 'no' to the Bolsonaro government ... To say 'no' to the mess that this government is." Called to explain the cuts to lawmakers in Congress, Education Minister Abraham Weintraub blamed the situation on the legacy of the previous government, while defending a shift away from spending on universities to favor elementary schools. "The priority is preschool, elementary school and technical school," he said. "A scientific, technical, number-based, efficient and managerial approach is vital to save this country from the economic stagnation of the last 20 years that we are living."

Brazil education freeze spurs biggest protests yet against Bolsonaro government

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Brazilian cities to protest against large budget cuts in public education, the first nationwide manifestations to be organised against far-right President Jair Bolsonaro since he was sworn in on Jan. 1.

Crowds protest against education cuts in Brazil

Students and teachers took to the streets across Brazil Wednesday to protest spending freezes, marking the first nationwide demonstrations against President Jair Bolsonaro as he struggles to maintain his popularity while warding off a deep fiscal crisis.

WION Wallet: Protesters March in Brazil Against Bolsonaro’s Education Cuts

In this segment of WION, watch top news of this hour. Watch the full video to know more.

WION Global Round-Up: Four dead, 26 injured in Colombia building explosion

Future of shopping has arrived in Brazil, with the city of Sao Paulo seeing its first automated store opening its doors earlier this year. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: Sao Paulo gets its first automated store

Former Brazilian <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-ex-president-michel-temer-freed-from-jail-judge-says-no-legal-grounds-for-detention-205628&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiYgZ_QrpDiAhVy73MBHWZKBOIQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PLmaUH4GkDWZuiv_AaAu7">President Michel Temer</a> on Thursday surrendered himself to the country`s federal police, marking the second time he will be jailed on allegations that he participated in a vast corruption scheme for decades.

Television images showed Temer leaving his home in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-sao-paulo-gets-its-first-automated-store-217405&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjds_vrr5DiAhXu4nMBHXPDBhwQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2-yPFFFjF3MMNHbgOh8lCX"> Sao Paulo</a> and going into the offices of Brazil`s federal police there. On Wednesday, when the arrest warrant was issued, his attorney decried the decision and said it was an "injustice."

His lawyers had filed an appeal before his arrest that will be heard on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Temer, 78, led Brazil between 2016 and the end of 2018 following the impeachment of left-wing President Dilma Rousseff, under whom he served as vice president for six years. He was first jailed in March and held in a Rio de Janeiro facility, but was released a few days later.&nbsp;

As part of Brazil`s sprawling `Car Wash` anti-corruption probe, prosecutors allege that Temer led a "criminal organization" that took 1.8 billion reais ($455.52 million) in bribes, including kickbacks that were promised but have yet to be paid.&nbsp;

One of the schemes allegedly involved bribes that were from funds diverted from a nuclear power facility operated by a subsidiary of state-run Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA.&nbsp;While those allegations have led to the current arrest warrant, Temer has been charged six times overall in connection with different corruption investigations.&nbsp;

More than 150 politicians and businessmen have been convicted in connection with the "Car Wash" investigation, including left-wing ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been in prison since last year.

Former Brazilian President Michel Temer on Thursday surrendered himself to the country`s federal police, marking the second time he will be jailed on allegations that he participated in a vast corruption scheme for decades.

Former Brazilian President Michel Temer on Thursday surrendered himself to the country`s federal police, marking the second time he will be jailed on allegations that he participated in a vast corruption scheme for decades. Television images showed Temer leaving his home in Sao Paulo and going into the offices of Brazil`s federal police there. On Wednesday, when the arrest warrant was issued, his attorney decried the decision and said it was an "injustice." His lawyers had filed an appeal before his arrest that will be heard on Tuesday. Temer, 78, led Brazil between 2016 and the end of 2018 following the impeachment of left-wing President Dilma Rousseff, under whom he served as vice president for six years. He was first jailed in March and held in a Rio de Janeiro facility, but was released a few days later. As part of Brazil`s sprawling `Car Wash` anti-corruption probe, prosecutors allege that Temer led a "criminal organization" that took 1.8 billion reais ($455.52 million) in bribes, including kickbacks that were promised but have yet to be paid. One of the schemes allegedly involved bribes that were from funds diverted from a nuclear power facility operated by a subsidiary of state-run Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA. While those allegations have led to the current arrest warrant, Temer has been charged six times overall in connection with different corruption investigations. More than 150 politicians and businessmen have been convicted in connection with the "Car Wash" investigation, including left-wing ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been in prison since last year.

Former Brazil President Temer surrenders following new arrest warrant

Brazil's national museum said on Tuesday that it has recovered 200 pieces from its Egypt collection after a devastating fire eight months ago.

Brazil museum recovers 200 Egypt pieces after fire

French envoy to the UN has backed India, Germany, Brazil saying that these countries are needed as permanent members. Watch full video to know more.

France backs India's fixed UN membership

Former Brazilian president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-court-reduces-ex-president-lulas-sentence-213138">Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva</a> on Friday said the country is governed by a "gang of madmen" in his first interview from prison, where he is serving an almost nine-year sentence.

The leftist ex-leader, 73, reiterated his innocence and told newspapers El Pais and Folha de Sao Paulo he is "obsessed" with "unmasking" those behind his conviction, which has seen him incarcerated for the past year for bribery and money laundering.

"I know very well the place history holds for me. And I also know who will be in the dumpster," said Lula, charismatic as ever in video clips published by Spanish newspaper El Pais's Brazilian edition.

The interview is the first Lula has given since he was arrested in April of last year.

"It can't be that this country is governed by this gang of madmen ... the country doesn't deserve that and above all the people don't deserve that," Folha de S&nbsp;Paulo reported Lula as saying of President Jair Bolsonaro's far-right administration.

Bolsonaro entered office in January, defeating Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad, who replaced Lula after he was banned from running.

Lula was convicted as part of Operation Car Wash, a wide reaching probe into corruption surrounding state oil firm Petrobras.

But from the start, Lula has maintained he is the victim of a campaign to prevent a leftist leader from returning to power.

This week, an appeals court reduced his 12-year sentence to eight years and 10 months.&nbsp;

The ruling could mean Lula is eligible for "semi-open" prison later this year.

Lula is also appealing a second sentence of almost 13 years handed down in February for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras. If that sentence is upheld, it will be added to the previous one.

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday said the country is governed by a "gang of madmen" in his first interview from prison, where he is serving an almost nine-year sentence.

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday said the country is governed by a "gang of madmen" in his first interview from prison, where he is serving an almost nine-year sentence. The leftist ex-leader, 73, reiterated his innocence and told newspapers El Pais and Folha de Sao Paulo he is "obsessed" with "unmasking" those behind his conviction, which has seen him incarcerated for the past year for bribery and money laundering. "I know very well the place history holds for me. And I also know who will be in the dumpster," said Lula, charismatic as ever in video clips published by Spanish newspaper El Pais's Brazilian edition. The interview is the first Lula has given since he was arrested in April of last year. "It can't be that this country is governed by this gang of madmen ... the country doesn't deserve that and above all the people don't deserve that," Folha de S Paulo reported Lula as saying of President Jair Bolsonaro's far-right administration. Bolsonaro entered office in January, defeating Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad, who replaced Lula after he was banned from running. Lula was convicted as part of Operation Car Wash, a wide reaching probe into corruption surrounding state oil firm Petrobras. But from the start, Lula has maintained he is the victim of a campaign to prevent a leftist leader from returning to power. This week, an appeals court reduced his 12-year sentence to eight years and 10 months. The ruling could mean Lula is eligible for "semi-open" prison later this year. Lula is also appealing a second sentence of almost 13 years handed down in February for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras. If that sentence is upheld, it will be added to the previous one.

Brazil is governed by 'gang of madmen': Jailed former president Lula

A Brazilian appeals court on Tuesday reduced leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 12-year sentence for bribery and money laundering.

In a unanimous decision, the four judges on the Superior Court of Justice panel hearing Lula's appeal agreed to uphold his conviction, but cut the sentence to eight years and 10 months.&nbsp;

The ruling, broadcast live on the court's YouTube channel, could mean Lula is eligible for "semi-open" prison later this year.

The 73-year-old leftist icon, who has been sentenced to 25 years behind bars in two separate corruption cases, marked his first year in jail earlier this month.&nbsp;

The judges also reduced fines imposed on the former president from 29 million reais ($7.4 million) to 2.4 million ($615,000), the estimated price of the triplex.&nbsp;

They also reduced a fine of 175 days -- where each "day" demands payment of five times the minimum wage -- to 50.

Lula was originally sentenced to nine and a half years on charges that he accepted a seaside apartment as a bribe for helping the OAS construction company during his 2003-2010 presidency to get lucrative deals with state oil firm Petrobras.

That was increased by an appeals court in January 2018 -- a decision the Superior Court of Justice panel ruled Tuesday was "excessive."&nbsp;

Lula's legal team said the decision was "too little but it's a start," and said it would appeal, seeking a total acquittal.

"The only result we see as compatible with this specific case is the acquittal of former president Lula because we understand... that he did not commit any crime," said one of his lawyers, Cristiano Zanin.

Lula is also appealing the second sentence of almost 13 years handed down in February for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras.

He has denied all the charges against him, arguing they were politically motivated with the aim of preventing him competing in elections last year that were won by Brazil's new far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

During his election campaign, Bolsonaro said he hoped Lula would "rot in prison."

'Lula is innocent'

Lula has been allowed to leave jail twice in the past 12 months, once for the funeral of his seven-year-old grandson and another time to give evidence in court.

Under Brazilian law a prisoner is eligible for a "semi-open" prison regime after completing one-sixth of the sentence.

Tuesday's decision means Lula could qualify for the more lenient arrangement from September or October, legal experts said.

That would enable Lula to sleep in his cell at night but work outside during the day, law professor Lenio Streck told AFP.

But that depends on the outcome of Lula's appeals in the second conviction.

Lula's efforts to get out of jail were dealt a blow recently when the Supreme Court indefinitely delayed debate on whether a prisoner convicted of a non-violent crime should be released before the end of the appeals process, which could have potentially freed him.

Bolsonaro's victory in October's elections ended decades of centre-left rule in Brazil and reduced Lula's chances of freedom.

Soon after winning, Bolsonaro named Sergio Moro, the anti-corruption judge who handed Lula his first conviction, as justice minister.

"Lula is innocent, he deserves to be acquitted, but the votes for the reduction of his sentence show the level of persecution and arbitrariness to which Lula was subjected by Moro," tweeted Workers Party president Gleisi Hoffmann.

A Brazilian appeals court on Tuesday reduced leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 12-year sentence for bribery and money laundering. In a unanimous decision, the four judges on the Superior Court of Justice panel hearing Lula's appeal agreed to uphold his conviction, but cut the sentence to eight years and 10 months.

A Brazilian appeals court on Tuesday reduced leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 12-year sentence for bribery and money laundering. In a unanimous decision, the four judges on the Superior Court of Justice panel hearing Lula's appeal agreed to uphold his conviction, but cut the sentence to eight years and 10 months. The ruling, broadcast live on the court's YouTube channel, could mean Lula is eligible for "semi-open" prison later this year. The 73-year-old leftist icon, who has been sentenced to 25 years behind bars in two separate corruption cases, marked his first year in jail earlier this month. The judges also reduced fines imposed on the former president from 29 million reais ($7.4 million) to 2.4 million ($615,000), the estimated price of the triplex. They also reduced a fine of 175 days -- where each "day" demands payment of five times the minimum wage -- to 50. Lula was originally sentenced to nine and a half years on charges that he accepted a seaside apartment as a bribe for helping the OAS construction company during his 2003-2010 presidency to get lucrative deals with state oil firm Petrobras. That was increased by an appeals court in January 2018 -- a decision the Superior Court of Justice panel ruled Tuesday was "excessive." Lula's legal team said the decision was "too little but it's a start," and said it would appeal, seeking a total acquittal. "The only result we see as compatible with this specific case is the acquittal of former president Lula because we understand... that he did not commit any crime," said one of his lawyers, Cristiano Zanin. Lula is also appealing the second sentence of almost 13 years handed down in February for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras. He has denied all the charges against him, arguing they were politically motivated with the aim of preventing him competing in elections last year that were won by Brazil's new far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. During his election campaign, Bolsonaro said he hoped Lula would "rot in prison." 'Lula is innocent' Lula has been allowed to leave jail twice in the past 12 months, once for the funeral of his seven-year-old grandson and another time to give evidence in court. Under Brazilian law a prisoner is eligible for a "semi-open" prison regime after completing one-sixth of the sentence. Tuesday's decision means Lula could qualify for the more lenient arrangement from September or October, legal experts said. That would enable Lula to sleep in his cell at night but work outside during the day, law professor Lenio Streck told AFP. But that depends on the outcome of Lula's appeals in the second conviction. Lula's efforts to get out of jail were dealt a blow recently when the Supreme Court indefinitely delayed debate on whether a prisoner convicted of a non-violent crime should be released before the end of the appeals process, which could have potentially freed him. Bolsonaro's victory in October's elections ended decades of centre-left rule in Brazil and reduced Lula's chances of freedom. Soon after winning, Bolsonaro named Sergio Moro, the anti-corruption judge who handed Lula his first conviction, as justice minister. "Lula is innocent, he deserves to be acquitted, but the votes for the reduction of his sentence show the level of persecution and arbitrariness to which Lula was subjected by Moro," tweeted Workers Party president Gleisi Hoffmann.

Brazil court reduces ex-president Lula's sentence

Surrounded by vultures perched on trees awaiting their turn, Venezuelan migrants scrape out a living scavenging for metal, plastic, cardboard and food in a Brazilian border town's rubbish dump.

Trapped in a wasteland limbo, they barely make enough to feed their families and cannot afford a bus ticket to get away and find regular work in Brazilian cities to the south.

They blame leftist President Nicolas Maduro for mismanaging their oil-producing nation's economy and causing the deep crisis that has driven several million Venezuelans to emigrate across Latin America.

"I left because I was dying of hunger. We are trying to get ahead looking through this rubbish. Every night I pray to God to take me out of here," said Rosemary Tovar, a 23-year-old mother from Caracas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-says-regime-has-run-out-of-rhetoric-as-red-cross-aid-arrives-in-venezuela-211051">Guaido says 'regime has run out of rhetoric' as Red Cross aid arrives in Venezuela</a>

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have fled the political and economic upheaval in their country through Pacaraima, the only road crossing to Brazil, overloading social services and causing tension in the northern border state of Roraima. More than 40,000 Venezuelans have swollen the population of state capital Boa Vista by 11 per cent, Mayor Tereza Surita told Reuters.

The influx has also been a headache for Brazil's new, far-right government of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has so far resisted US pressure to take a more forceful attitude against Maduro. About 3.7 million people have left Venezuela in recent years, mostly via its western neighbour Colombia, according to the World Bank.

A dozen Venezuelans scramble to grab bags of rubbish that tumble from the Pacaraima trash truck twice a day. They then sift through the piles as fetid plumes of smoke rise from the smouldering landfill. Sometimes they scavenge at night using headlamps.

"We are looking for copper and cans, and hopefully something valuable, even food," said Astrid Prado, who is eight months pregnant. "My goal is to get out of here. Nobody wants to spend their life going through garbage."

Charly Sanchez, 42, arrived in Brazil a year ago and has not been able to get to Boa Vista to get his work papers so that he can find employment.

"We live off this. We make enough to buy rice, maybe some sausage, but not enough to buy a ticket to Boa Vista," he said.

Copper pays best, 13 reais ($3.30) a kilo, but it takes Sanchez a whole week to gather that much "wire by wire."

On a lucky day he said he had found a discarded cellphone, but not today. Some spaghetti, a small jar of sugar and a bit of cooking oil was Sanchez's pickings for the day.

Samuel Esteban, using a breathing mask for the smoke, stuffed cardboard into a large sack. For 50 kilos he will earn five reais, one third of the minimum monthly wage in Venezuela but just enough to buy a litre of milk in Brazil and some bread.

Tovar criticized Maduro for denying that Venezuela is facing a humanitarian crisis.

"He is so wrong. Look at us here in this dump," she said. "If Maduro does not leave Venezuela, I will never return there."

Surrounded by vultures perched on trees awaiting their turn, Venezuelan migrants scrape out a living scavenging for metal, plastic, cardboard and food in a Brazilian border town's rubbish dump.

Surrounded by vultures perched on trees awaiting their turn, Venezuelan migrants scrape out a living scavenging for metal, plastic, cardboard and food in a Brazilian border town's rubbish dump. Trapped in a wasteland limbo, they barely make enough to feed their families and cannot afford a bus ticket to get away and find regular work in Brazilian cities to the south. They blame leftist President Nicolas Maduro for mismanaging their oil-producing nation's economy and causing the deep crisis that has driven several million Venezuelans to emigrate across Latin America. "I left because I was dying of hunger. We are trying to get ahead looking through this rubbish. Every night I pray to God to take me out of here," said Rosemary Tovar, a 23-year-old mother from Caracas. Guaido says 'regime has run out of rhetoric' as Red Cross aid arrives in Venezuela Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have fled the political and economic upheaval in their country through Pacaraima, the only road crossing to Brazil, overloading social services and causing tension in the northern border state of Roraima. More than 40,000 Venezuelans have swollen the population of state capital Boa Vista by 11 per cent, Mayor Tereza Surita told Reuters. The influx has also been a headache for Brazil's new, far-right government of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has so far resisted US pressure to take a more forceful attitude against Maduro. About 3.7 million people have left Venezuela in recent years, mostly via its western neighbour Colombia, according to the World Bank. A dozen Venezuelans scramble to grab bags of rubbish that tumble from the Pacaraima trash truck twice a day. They then sift through the piles as fetid plumes of smoke rise from the smouldering landfill. Sometimes they scavenge at night using headlamps. "We are looking for copper and cans, and hopefully something valuable, even food," said Astrid Prado, who is eight months pregnant. "My goal is to get out of here. Nobody wants to spend their life going through garbage." Charly Sanchez, 42, arrived in Brazil a year ago and has not been able to get to Boa Vista to get his work papers so that he can find employment. "We live off this. We make enough to buy rice, maybe some sausage, but not enough to buy a ticket to Boa Vista," he said. Copper pays best, 13 reais ($3.30) a kilo, but it takes Sanchez a whole week to gather that much "wire by wire." On a lucky day he said he had found a discarded cellphone, but not today. Some spaghetti, a small jar of sugar and a bit of cooking oil was Sanchez's pickings for the day. Samuel Esteban, using a breathing mask for the smoke, stuffed cardboard into a large sack. For 50 kilos he will earn five reais, one third of the minimum monthly wage in Venezuela but just enough to buy a litre of milk in Brazil and some bread. Tovar criticized Maduro for denying that Venezuela is facing a humanitarian crisis. "He is so wrong. Look at us here in this dump," she said. "If Maduro does not leave Venezuela, I will never return there."

Venezuelan scavengers vie with vultures for Brazilian trash

The death toll from the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-sao-paulo-building-collapses-in-huge-fire-134119&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjo6aiJhs3hAhUX2o8KHXAzBTAQFggEMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3He0d7pVSUbzGmaJE6cM-L">collapse</a> on Friday of a pair of four-story residential buildings in a militia-controlled neighbourhood of this southeastern Brazilian metropolis has reached five, authorities said.

Ten other people were injured and a dozen residents remained unaccounted for.

In addition to two people who died at the site of the collapses, a third male victim who had been pulled out of the rubble succumbed to his injuries hours later at the Unimed-Rio Hospital, the Rio de Janeiro mayor's office said.

Two more bodies were pulled from the rubble late Friday, while first responders were trying to extract a child they found alive.

Rio de Janeiro Fire Department officials said local residents had told them that more than 10 other people were buried under the wreckage of the two buildings located in Muzema, a neighbourhood on Rio's west side.

Authorities cordoned off the area due to the risk that other nearby residential buildings may collapse and facilitate the work of firefighters and other rescue workers.

The Rio mayor's office said that nearly 60 buildings in that area were built "irregularly" at locations considered at "high risk of collapse."

Muzema, a neighbourhood controlled by armed militias who have prevented shoddy buildings from being demolished, was one of the parts of Rio de Janeiro hardest hit by torrential rains this week that left at least 10 dead and dozens injured.

Area residents say the militias - criminal organizations made up of corrupt current and former police officers that control various parts of this metropolis of nearly 7 million people - seize plots of land in Muzema and build residences that they subsequently sell illegally.

According to the Rio de Janeiro state government, the torrential rains in recent days forced at least 1,200 people from their homes.

At least 2,000 people have received emergency attention in recent days due to the heavy rains, flash floods, fallen trees and mudslides

A state of crisis has been declared in Rio de Janeiro, the highest of the city's three-level scale.

The death toll from the collapse on Friday of a pair of four-story residential buildings in a militia-controlled neighbourhood of this southeastern Brazilian metropolis has reached five, authorities said.

The death toll from the collapse on Friday of a pair of four-story residential buildings in a militia-controlled neighbourhood of this southeastern Brazilian metropolis has reached five, authorities said. Ten other people were injured and a dozen residents remained unaccounted for. In addition to two people who died at the site of the collapses, a third male victim who had been pulled out of the rubble succumbed to his injuries hours later at the Unimed-Rio Hospital, the Rio de Janeiro mayor's office said. Two more bodies were pulled from the rubble late Friday, while first responders were trying to extract a child they found alive. Rio de Janeiro Fire Department officials said local residents had told them that more than 10 other people were buried under the wreckage of the two buildings located in Muzema, a neighbourhood on Rio's west side. Authorities cordoned off the area due to the risk that other nearby residential buildings may collapse and facilitate the work of firefighters and other rescue workers. The Rio mayor's office said that nearly 60 buildings in that area were built "irregularly" at locations considered at "high risk of collapse." Muzema, a neighbourhood controlled by armed militias who have prevented shoddy buildings from being demolished, was one of the parts of Rio de Janeiro hardest hit by torrential rains this week that left at least 10 dead and dozens injured. Area residents say the militias - criminal organizations made up of corrupt current and former police officers that control various parts of this metropolis of nearly 7 million people - seize plots of land in Muzema and build residences that they subsequently sell illegally. According to the Rio de Janeiro state government, the torrential rains in recent days forced at least 1,200 people from their homes. At least 2,000 people have received emergency attention in recent days due to the heavy rains, flash floods, fallen trees and mudslides A state of crisis has been declared in Rio de Janeiro, the highest of the city's three-level scale.

Death toll in Brazil building collapses climbs to five

Torrential rain left at least 10 people dead in Rio de Janeiro, officials said, as emergency workers rescued people trapped by the downpour and clean-up efforts gathered pace.

The unusually heavy rain began on Monday evening and continued into Tuesday, triggering widespread flash flooding that turned some streets into raging rivers, toppled trees and swept away cars as the state emergency agency declared a crisis.

The southern zone of the city, which includes the tourist hotspots Copacabana and Ipanema as well as several impoverished favela areas, has been hardest hit.

Heavy runoff from neighbouring hills gushed through some apartment buildings and shops, leaving behind mud and debris.&nbsp;

The bodies of three people were found in a car buried behind an upmarket shopping center on Tuesday afternoon, while two women died when a house in a favela collapsed, the Fire Department said in a statement. &nbsp;

The other victims included a man who died after he was electrocuted in a house and another who was caught in a torrent of water.

The ferocity of the storm stunned some residents, who are long used to wild weather battering their city.

"I've never seen or witnessed anything like this. I've seen it happen elsewhere but never here," Guillerme de Oliveira, 59, said.

"I'm really amazed at all of this."

Cars and public buses were crushed by fallen trees, and sections of streets were ripped up by the force of the water.&nbsp;

Many people returning home Monday evening or trying to go to work on Tuesday were drenched as they waded through knee-deep water in the relentless downpour.&nbsp;

Some people climbed fences to avoid flooded streets, while others tied plastic bags around their feet to protect themselves from the polluted water.&nbsp;

Beaches normally packed with people sunbathing or playing sports were empty as brown water flowed into the ocean.&nbsp;

"Many houses in Rio are built in areas that are inappropriate, in places where water flows. It's a tragedy and we have tried to warn these people," Rio de Janeiro mayor Marcelo Crivella told local media.&nbsp;

Schools throughout the city suspended classes and power was knocked out in some areas as heavy rain complicated rescue and clean-up efforts.

Crivella said the downpour had been "totally atypical."

Rio de Janeiro state governor Wilson Witzel expressed sympathy for the "families of the victims" on Twitter.

"The whole state is helping in what is necessary," he said.&nbsp;

Heavy rain often causes flash flooding in Rio de Janeiro as the volume of water overwhelms the city's creaky infrastructure and brings traffic to a grinding halt.

Favelas, which often lack proper streets and sanitation, are spread across hills throughout the city and are usually the hardest hit by heavy downpours.&nbsp;

In a scathing editorial on Tuesday, the powerful O Globo media group skewered government authorities for doing "practically nothing" to prepare for what it described as a "predictable phenomenon."

"Once again, what we saw was a show of incompetence, except for honourable exceptions like firefighters," the editorial said.

"After so many tragedies ... it was hoped that the city would have learned something."

City government spending on projects including drainage works fell more than 79 per cent in 2016 to 2018, economic news site Valor reported.

Torrential rain in February killed at least six people in Rio de Janeiro.

Torrential rain left at least 10 people dead in Rio de Janeiro, officials said, as emergency workers rescued people trapped by the downpour and clean-up efforts gathered pace.

Torrential rain left at least 10 people dead in Rio de Janeiro, officials said, as emergency workers rescued people trapped by the downpour and clean-up efforts gathered pace. The unusually heavy rain began on Monday evening and continued into Tuesday, triggering widespread flash flooding that turned some streets into raging rivers, toppled trees and swept away cars as the state emergency agency declared a crisis. The southern zone of the city, which includes the tourist hotspots Copacabana and Ipanema as well as several impoverished favela areas, has been hardest hit. Heavy runoff from neighbouring hills gushed through some apartment buildings and shops, leaving behind mud and debris. The bodies of three people were found in a car buried behind an upmarket shopping center on Tuesday afternoon, while two women died when a house in a favela collapsed, the Fire Department said in a statement. The other victims included a man who died after he was electrocuted in a house and another who was caught in a torrent of water. The ferocity of the storm stunned some residents, who are long used to wild weather battering their city. "I've never seen or witnessed anything like this. I've seen it happen elsewhere but never here," Guillerme de Oliveira, 59, said. "I'm really amazed at all of this." Cars and public buses were crushed by fallen trees, and sections of streets were ripped up by the force of the water. Many people returning home Monday evening or trying to go to work on Tuesday were drenched as they waded through knee-deep water in the relentless downpour. Some people climbed fences to avoid flooded streets, while others tied plastic bags around their feet to protect themselves from the polluted water. Beaches normally packed with people sunbathing or playing sports were empty as brown water flowed into the ocean. "Many houses in Rio are built in areas that are inappropriate, in places where water flows. It's a tragedy and we have tried to warn these people," Rio de Janeiro mayor Marcelo Crivella told local media. Schools throughout the city suspended classes and power was knocked out in some areas as heavy rain complicated rescue and clean-up efforts. Crivella said the downpour had been "totally atypical." Rio de Janeiro state governor Wilson Witzel expressed sympathy for the "families of the victims" on Twitter. "The whole state is helping in what is necessary," he said. Heavy rain often causes flash flooding in Rio de Janeiro as the volume of water overwhelms the city's creaky infrastructure and brings traffic to a grinding halt. Favelas, which often lack proper streets and sanitation, are spread across hills throughout the city and are usually the hardest hit by heavy downpours. In a scathing editorial on Tuesday, the powerful O Globo media group skewered government authorities for doing "practically nothing" to prepare for what it described as a "predictable phenomenon." "Once again, what we saw was a show of incompetence, except for honourable exceptions like firefighters," the editorial said. "After so many tragedies ... it was hoped that the city would have learned something." City government spending on projects including drainage works fell more than 79 per cent in 2016 to 2018, economic news site Valor reported. Torrential rain in February killed at least six people in Rio de Janeiro.

10 dead as heavy rains lash Brazil; several tourist spots hit

A decade after the Macuxi people won a bloody battle to expel rice planters from their reservation with the backing of the Supreme Court, their hold over ancestral lands has come under threat again from Brazil's right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazil tribal lands under new threat from farmers, miners

Police in Sao Paulo state shot and killed 10 assailants who were preparing to simultaneously blow up automated bank teller machines at two branches early on Thursday, authorities said.

Sao Paulo state's Public Security Secretariat said in a statement that about 25 suspects were involved in the attempts to blow up the machines to get at the cash inside, a common type of crime in Brazil.

One of the banks was located next to a police station.

One police commander told the TV Globo network the criminal group was "prepared for war" and, aside from arriving in five armoured cars, were armed with high-calibre rifles and body armour.

Police arrived at the banks and confronted the assailants, who fled and led police on a rolling shootout through the city of Guararema, located about 60 kilometres east of central metropolitan Sao Paulo.

The suspects broke into a home at one point and held the residents hostage, "but police managed to free them," the note from the secretariat read, without providing more details.

No police were injured during the operation. It was not clear if any suspects were in custody.

Police commander Mario Silva told the Globo TV that the criminal group was under surveillance, and that "we already knew they were going to carry out an attack in this area."

"We did not know exactly where the attack would take place," Silva said. "But we increased police forces in the area over the past 24 hours."

Police in Sao Paulo state shot and killed 10 assailants who were preparing to simultaneously blow up automated bank teller machines at two branches early on Thursday, authorities said.

Police in Sao Paulo state shot and killed 10 assailants who were preparing to simultaneously blow up automated bank teller machines at two branches early on Thursday, authorities said. Sao Paulo state's Public Security Secretariat said in a statement that about 25 suspects were involved in the attempts to blow up the machines to get at the cash inside, a common type of crime in Brazil. One of the banks was located next to a police station. One police commander told the TV Globo network the criminal group was "prepared for war" and, aside from arriving in five armoured cars, were armed with high-calibre rifles and body armour. Police arrived at the banks and confronted the assailants, who fled and led police on a rolling shootout through the city of Guararema, located about 60 kilometres east of central metropolitan Sao Paulo. The suspects broke into a home at one point and held the residents hostage, "but police managed to free them," the note from the secretariat read, without providing more details. No police were injured during the operation. It was not clear if any suspects were in custody. Police commander Mario Silva told the Globo TV that the criminal group was under surveillance, and that "we already knew they were going to carry out an attack in this area." "We did not know exactly where the attack would take place," Silva said. "But we increased police forces in the area over the past 24 hours."

Brazil police kill 10 suspects who tried to blow up bank ATMs

Brazil soccer great Pele was hospitalised in Paris late on Tuesday with a strong fever but his condition is not life-threatening, RMC Sport reported.

The 78-year-old was admitted as a precaution after attending an event in the French capital with France's World Cup-winning youngster Kylian Mbappe.

A representative for Pele in Brazil could not immediately be reached for comment.

Pele was still in hospital on Wednesday afternoon, RMC reported, though in a possible sign he was making a recovery, he said on Twitter: "I met Kylian Mbappe and his parents last night in Paris at @Hublot event. We talked goals, World Cups and watches. Great company!"

Earlier, Mbappe had written on social media: "I had the chance this evening to spend a once-in-a-lifetime moment with the living legend @Pele."

Pele, revered by many as soccer's greatest player ever, is alone in winning the World Cup three times, first lifting the trophy aged 17. The Brazilian was swift to praise Mbappe after he set last year's World Cup in Russia alight with his electric speed and goalscoring.

Mbappe became the youngest player (19) to score two goals in a World Cup game since Pele in 1958. He also became the first teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final.

"If Kylian keeps equalling my records like this I may have to dust my boots off again," Pele tweeted at the time.

Mbappe replied: "The King will always remain King."

The Paris St Germain forward told Tuesday's event he would never match the Brazil great's scoring tally during his career. Pele claims he has scored 1,025 goals.

"Even with the goals in playgrounds, goals on the PlayStation, I could never equal (that)," the 20-year-old said at the sponsors' event.

Mbappe and Pele had been scheduled to meet late last year but had to postpone, again because of Pele's health, French media said.

Brazil soccer great Pele was hospitalised in Paris late on Tuesday with a strong fever but his condition is not life-threatening, RMC Sport reported. The 78-year-old was admitted as a precaution after attending an event in the French capital with France's World Cup-winning youngster Kylian Mbappe.

Brazil soccer great Pele was hospitalised in Paris late on Tuesday with a strong fever but his condition is not life-threatening, RMC Sport reported. The 78-year-old was admitted as a precaution after attending an event in the French capital with France's World Cup-winning youngster Kylian Mbappe. A representative for Pele in Brazil could not immediately be reached for comment. Pele was still in hospital on Wednesday afternoon, RMC reported, though in a possible sign he was making a recovery, he said on Twitter: "I met Kylian Mbappe and his parents last night in Paris at @Hublot event. We talked goals, World Cups and watches. Great company!" Earlier, Mbappe had written on social media: "I had the chance this evening to spend a once-in-a-lifetime moment with the living legend @Pele." Pele, revered by many as soccer's greatest player ever, is alone in winning the World Cup three times, first lifting the trophy aged 17. The Brazilian was swift to praise Mbappe after he set last year's World Cup in Russia alight with his electric speed and goalscoring. Mbappe became the youngest player (19) to score two goals in a World Cup game since Pele in 1958. He also became the first teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final. "If Kylian keeps equalling my records like this I may have to dust my boots off again," Pele tweeted at the time. Mbappe replied: "The King will always remain King." The Paris St Germain forward told Tuesday's event he would never match the Brazil great's scoring tally during his career. Pele claims he has scored 1,025 goals. "Even with the goals in playgrounds, goals on the PlayStation, I could never equal (that)," the 20-year-old said at the sponsors' event. Mbappe and Pele had been scheduled to meet late last year but had to postpone, again because of Pele's health, French media said.

Brazil soccer great Pele hospitalised in Paris

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro arrived in Israel on Sunday just ahead of the country's polls in which his right-wing ally Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough re-election fight.

Bolsonaro was welcomed by Netanyahu and an official ceremony at the airport near Tel Aviv.

"We are making history together," Netanyahu said, adding that they had "opened a new era in relations between our two countries."

Bolsonaro said, "my government is firmly resolved to strengthen the partnership between Brazil and Israel."

"Cooperation in the areas of security and defence is also of great interest to Brazil," he said.

Bolsonaro will walk a diplomatic tightrope during the three-day visit as he seeks to shore up ties with Netanyahu while avoiding angering key Arab trade partners.

Bolsonaro's controversial pledge to move Brazil's embassy to the disputed city of Jerusalem is expected to be high on the agenda, as Netanyahu uses the occasion to boost his standing ahead of April 9 elections.

Months after promising the step already taken by US President Donald Trump -- leading the Palestinians to freeze ties with the White House -- Bolsonaro has yet to announce a timetable.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Bolsonaro suggested he was in no hurry to make a decision.

"Trump took nine months to decide, to give his final word, so that the embassy was transferred," Bolsonaro said.

"Perhaps now we will open a commercial office in Jerusalem."

While moving the embassy would please Bolsonaro's evangelical Christian support base, it would run the risk of provoking commercial retaliation from Arab states, some of which are major importers of Brazilian meat.

Western Wall visit

Bolsonaro is expected to visit Jerusalem's Western Wall alongside Netanyahu on Monday -- a controversial move in itself.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo became the first high-ranking American official to visit the Western Wall, located in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, with an Israeli premier.

It could be taken as tacit approval of Israel's sovereignty over the site, one of the holiest in Judaism and located in the city's mainly Palestinian eastern sector.

The compound above the wall is known to Jews as the Temple Mount -- the holiest in Judaism -- and also contains the Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.

Later Sunday, Netanyahu will meet with Bolsonaro and sign agreements before they have dinner.&nbsp;

Netanyahu became the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil when he travelled there for Bolsonaro's January 1 inauguration.

In their discussions then, the two right-wingers talked up their budding "brotherhood" which they said would boost military, economic, technological and agricultural cooperation.

Netanyahu is facing a tough challenge from centrist former military chief Benny Gantz in Israel's elections and is also under threat of indictment on corruption allegations.

Pompeo's visit this month and Netanyahu's trip to the United States to meet Trump last week -- cut short due to a flare-up in the Gaza Strip -- was widely seen as providing a boost to his campaign.

He has sought to present himself as Israel's essential statesman, and Bolsonaro's visit may include similar rhetoric.

Both Netanyahu and Bolsonaro have good relations with Trump.

During the Brazilian leader's visit to Washington this month, the US president heaped praise on Bolsonaro in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO.

For years Bolsonaro was little more than a marginal congressman, but his Trump-like campaign in 2018, promising to combat corruption and end politics as usual, propelled him to a surprise victory.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro arrived in Israel on Sunday just ahead of the country's polls in which his right-wing ally Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough re-election fight.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro arrived in Israel on Sunday just ahead of the country's polls in which his right-wing ally Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough re-election fight. Bolsonaro was welcomed by Netanyahu and an official ceremony at the airport near Tel Aviv. "We are making history together," Netanyahu said, adding that they had "opened a new era in relations between our two countries." Bolsonaro said, "my government is firmly resolved to strengthen the partnership between Brazil and Israel." "Cooperation in the areas of security and defence is also of great interest to Brazil," he said. Bolsonaro will walk a diplomatic tightrope during the three-day visit as he seeks to shore up ties with Netanyahu while avoiding angering key Arab trade partners. Bolsonaro's controversial pledge to move Brazil's embassy to the disputed city of Jerusalem is expected to be high on the agenda, as Netanyahu uses the occasion to boost his standing ahead of April 9 elections. Months after promising the step already taken by US President Donald Trump -- leading the Palestinians to freeze ties with the White House -- Bolsonaro has yet to announce a timetable. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Bolsonaro suggested he was in no hurry to make a decision. "Trump took nine months to decide, to give his final word, so that the embassy was transferred," Bolsonaro said. "Perhaps now we will open a commercial office in Jerusalem." While moving the embassy would please Bolsonaro's evangelical Christian support base, it would run the risk of provoking commercial retaliation from Arab states, some of which are major importers of Brazilian meat. Western Wall visit Bolsonaro is expected to visit Jerusalem's Western Wall alongside Netanyahu on Monday -- a controversial move in itself. Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo became the first high-ranking American official to visit the Western Wall, located in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, with an Israeli premier. It could be taken as tacit approval of Israel's sovereignty over the site, one of the holiest in Judaism and located in the city's mainly Palestinian eastern sector. The compound above the wall is known to Jews as the Temple Mount -- the holiest in Judaism -- and also contains the Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. Later Sunday, Netanyahu will meet with Bolsonaro and sign agreements before they have dinner. Netanyahu became the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil when he travelled there for Bolsonaro's January 1 inauguration. In their discussions then, the two right-wingers talked up their budding "brotherhood" which they said would boost military, economic, technological and agricultural cooperation. Netanyahu is facing a tough challenge from centrist former military chief Benny Gantz in Israel's elections and is also under threat of indictment on corruption allegations. Pompeo's visit this month and Netanyahu's trip to the United States to meet Trump last week -- cut short due to a flare-up in the Gaza Strip -- was widely seen as providing a boost to his campaign. He has sought to present himself as Israel's essential statesman, and Bolsonaro's visit may include similar rhetoric. Both Netanyahu and Bolsonaro have good relations with Trump. During the Brazilian leader's visit to Washington this month, the US president heaped praise on Bolsonaro in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO. For years Bolsonaro was little more than a marginal congressman, but his Trump-like campaign in 2018, promising to combat corruption and end politics as usual, propelled him to a surprise victory.

Brazil's Bolsonaro arrives in Israel for pre-vote visit

Former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato joined Sao Paulo on Wednesday, returning to Brazil after a two-year stint with Chinese side Tianjin Tianhai, the Brazilian club said.

Pato, who has also enjoyed time at Corinthians, Chelsea and Villareal, signed a three-year contract with Sao Paulo. It will be his second spell at the club.

Pato, 29, broke into the Internacional side as a teenager in 2006 and helped them to the Club World Cup the same year when they beat Barcelona 1-0.

His pace, maturity and cool head in front of goal won him a transfer to AC Milan, where he spent five years.

However, he has failed to make a lasting mark at any of the six clubs he graced since and fallen out of favour at international level, with his last cap coming in 2013.

Former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato joined Sao Paulo on Wednesday, returning to Brazil after a two-year stint with Chinese side Tianjin Tianhai, the Brazilian club said.

Former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato joined Sao Paulo on Wednesday, returning to Brazil after a two-year stint with Chinese side Tianjin Tianhai, the Brazilian club said. Pato, who has also enjoyed time at Corinthians, Chelsea and Villareal, signed a three-year contract with Sao Paulo. It will be his second spell at the club. Pato, 29, broke into the Internacional side as a teenager in 2006 and helped them to the Club World Cup the same year when they beat Barcelona 1-0. His pace, maturity and cool head in front of goal won him a transfer to AC Milan, where he spent five years. However, he has failed to make a lasting mark at any of the six clubs he graced since and fallen out of favour at international level, with his last cap coming in 2013.

Brazil's Pato returns to Sao Paulo after China stint

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention.

The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-ex-president-michel-temer-arrested-reports-204712">was accused of money laundering scheme</a>. He was arrested on March 21 in Sao Paulo becoming the latest the second ex-president of the Latin American country to be caught up in an anti-corruption probe called Car Wash.

Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties.

Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco and other detained with Temer were also released.

"I am not against the so-called Car Wash (investigation)," judge Antonio Ivan Athie said in his decision.

"I want to see our country free from the corruption that plagues it. However, without constitutional guarantees, guaranteed to all ... there is no legitimacy in the fight against this plague," Athie added.

Despite evidence that could incriminate the accused, it "did not justify preventative detention", Athie said, pointing to the absence of proof that the accused were a threat to public order or would hide evidence.&nbsp;

Hours after the decision was taken, Temer left the jail and went in a car. The federal prosecutor's office said it would appeal the decision.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention. The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was accused of money laundering scheme.

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention. The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was accused of money laundering scheme. He was arrested on March 21 in Sao Paulo becoming the latest the second ex-president of the Latin American country to be caught up in an anti-corruption probe called Car Wash. Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties. Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco and other detained with Temer were also released. "I am not against the so-called Car Wash (investigation)," judge Antonio Ivan Athie said in his decision. "I want to see our country free from the corruption that plagues it. However, without constitutional guarantees, guaranteed to all ... there is no legitimacy in the fight against this plague," Athie added. Despite evidence that could incriminate the accused, it "did not justify preventative detention", Athie said, pointing to the absence of proof that the accused were a threat to public order or would hide evidence. Hours after the decision was taken, Temer left the jail and went in a car. The federal prosecutor's office said it would appeal the decision. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer freed from jail, judge says no legal grounds for detention

Brazilian fisherman Jose Geraldo dos Santos uses a long pole to push his boat down the reddish-brown Paraopeba River, taking care not to splash himself with water he says is toxic.&nbsp;

Two months after an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-brazil-dam-disaster-rises-to-134-199-still-missing-195188">upstream tailings dam owned by mining giant Vale burst</a>, spewing millions of tons of minerals-laced sludge across the countryside, the 67-year-old says the river is too polluted for fishing or even for his animals to drink.&nbsp;

So contaminated is the tributary to the Sao Francisco River -- the second longest in Brazil -- says dos Santos, that he has been advised to not even "step in the mud."

"The researchers who came here said it will take eight to 10 years (for the river to recover)," says dos Santos, who lives about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the village of Brumadinho in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, which was engulfed by the waste unleashed by the January 25 dam rupture.&nbsp;

Emergency crews continue the slow process of picking through the mud looking for bodies -- at least 210 people were killed and 96 are missing.

In the meantime, Vale, government agencies and environmental groups are still assessing the impact of one of Brazil's worst industrial disasters on water quality downstream.&nbsp;

Some of the findings differ dramatically. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's so dense and thick that it cannot be called water," says Malu Ribeiro of SOS Mata Atlantica Foundation in a video released by the non-government organization to highlight the damage to the Paraopeba.

Before the dam collapsed the water was "crystal clear, full of fish," says Ribeiro.

"I've never seen that colour."

'Serious pollutants'

The disaster was the second involving Vale in three years in the mineral-rich region. The company has tried to contain the contamination by installing barriers to stop poisonous material reaching the Sao Francisco, hundreds of kilometres downstream.

So far, Vale says, its water quality analysis shows toxicity levels near the dam are "below the legal limits for mining tailings" and are "not harmful to health."

And its technicians predict that sludge from the dam would "not reach the Sao Francisco," Vale said in a statement Friday.&nbsp;

But SOS Mata Atlantica's latest data show high levels of toxic waste are already present in the key waterway and that the source is the dam at Brumadinho.

Various samples taken from the upper reaches earlier this month show concentrations of copper, iron, manganese and chromium that exceed the maximum limits allowed by Brazilian law.

"These are serious pollutants," says Romilda Roncatti of SOS Mata Atlantica.

But Brazilian authorities say the tailings have not spread more than one kilometre downstream and blame the increased turbidity on heavy rain.

"It's normal at this time of year to find high levels of some elements like iron or manganese -- these two elements always have higher concentrations during floods," says Eduardo Viglio of the Geological Survey of Brazil, which is tasked with collecting data on minerals and water resources in the country.

The government agency's own testing shows oxygen and acidity readings are also "normal," he adds.&nbsp;

That is cold comfort for dos Santos, who says increased pollution in the Paraopeba has deprived him of an income from fishing.

"The people who handle water treatment have said we can't use the water," he says.

"This place is no use to me."

Brazilian fisherman Jose Geraldo dos Santos uses a long pole to push his boat down the reddish-brown Paraopeba River, taking care not to splash himself with water he says is toxic.

Brazilian fisherman Jose Geraldo dos Santos uses a long pole to push his boat down the reddish-brown Paraopeba River, taking care not to splash himself with water he says is toxic. Two months after an upstream tailings dam owned by mining giant Vale burst, spewing millions of tons of minerals-laced sludge across the countryside, the 67-year-old says the river is too polluted for fishing or even for his animals to drink. So contaminated is the tributary to the Sao Francisco River -- the second longest in Brazil -- says dos Santos, that he has been advised to not even "step in the mud." "The researchers who came here said it will take eight to 10 years (for the river to recover)," says dos Santos, who lives about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the village of Brumadinho in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, which was engulfed by the waste unleashed by the January 25 dam rupture. Emergency crews continue the slow process of picking through the mud looking for bodies -- at least 210 people were killed and 96 are missing. In the meantime, Vale, government agencies and environmental groups are still assessing the impact of one of Brazil's worst industrial disasters on water quality downstream. Some of the findings differ dramatically. "It's so dense and thick that it cannot be called water," says Malu Ribeiro of SOS Mata Atlantica Foundation in a video released by the non-government organization to highlight the damage to the Paraopeba. Before the dam collapsed the water was "crystal clear, full of fish," says Ribeiro. "I've never seen that colour." 'Serious pollutants' The disaster was the second involving Vale in three years in the mineral-rich region. The company has tried to contain the contamination by installing barriers to stop poisonous material reaching the Sao Francisco, hundreds of kilometres downstream. So far, Vale says, its water quality analysis shows toxicity levels near the dam are "below the legal limits for mining tailings" and are "not harmful to health." And its technicians predict that sludge from the dam would "not reach the Sao Francisco," Vale said in a statement Friday. But SOS Mata Atlantica's latest data show high levels of toxic waste are already present in the key waterway and that the source is the dam at Brumadinho. Various samples taken from the upper reaches earlier this month show concentrations of copper, iron, manganese and chromium that exceed the maximum limits allowed by Brazilian law. "These are serious pollutants," says Romilda Roncatti of SOS Mata Atlantica. But Brazilian authorities say the tailings have not spread more than one kilometre downstream and blame the increased turbidity on heavy rain. "It's normal at this time of year to find high levels of some elements like iron or manganese -- these two elements always have higher concentrations during floods," says Eduardo Viglio of the Geological Survey of Brazil, which is tasked with collecting data on minerals and water resources in the country. The government agency's own testing shows oxygen and acidity readings are also "normal," he adds. That is cold comfort for dos Santos, who says increased pollution in the Paraopeba has deprived him of an income from fishing. "The people who handle water treatment have said we can't use the water," he says. "This place is no use to me."

Can't be called water': Brazil marks two months since dam disaster

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