國際英語資訊:Brasilia sees violent clashes as political crisis deepens

BRASILIA, May 24 -- Brazil's President Michel Temer ordered military troops to protect government buildings in capital Brasilia on Wednesday after protesters went into the buildings, even setting one ministry in fire.

Government officials were evacuated and the Ministry of Agriculture was occupied by protesters, who set a fire inside the edifice, before it was later controlled by firefighters.

Files and documents were seen removed from the Ministries of Culture and the Environment by activists, while the Ministry of Planning was also attacked, with windows broken.

Police quickly responded, firing tear gas to chase protesters away from the plaza where the government ministries, Congress and Supreme Court are located. Police officers on horseback charged the crowds, driving them back.

Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said in a statement that President Temer considered the situation "unacceptable," and ordered the army to enter and protect government buildings.

On Wednesday afternoon, around 25,000 people marched in Brasilia to demand Temer to leave office and call for direct elections.

At least 600 buses ferried in protesters from other Brazilian states for a day known as Occupy Brasilia, called by the opposition parties.

The chaos also spread to Congress, where opposition parliamentarians took over the Speaker's dais to demand the legislative session be suspended, due to the violence.