Bush visits spark riots

March 9, 2007
Bush visits spark riots

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Police clashed yesterday with students, environmentalists and leftist Brazilians protesting against a visit by President George W. Bush and his push for an ethanol energy alliance with Latin America's largest country.

Riot police fired tear gas at protesters and beat them with batons in Sao Paulo after more than 6,000 people held a largely peaceful march, sending hundreds of demonstrators fleeing and ducking into businesses to avoid the gas.

To visit Colombia
Authorities did not immediately report any injuries but Brazilian news media said at least six people were hurt after marching three kilometres through the financial heart of South America's largest city just hours before Bush was scheduled to arrive.