In the Brazilian city protests erupted
More than 100 people were killed and several were injured in the Brazilian city "Xai Xai" this week, after a military police went on strike, demanding higher wages and benefits.
The officers did not come to work since Saturday, while members of their families protested in front of police stations and blocked police vehicles, preventing their movement. The military police is responsible for a large part of everyday policing in the city. Because of their military status, the military police are not allowed to officially protest in Brazil. The civilian police force in the city not on strike, although they expressed support for the strike.
At least 110 people were killed within 5 days after the start of the strike, told an investigator Walter Santana Lopes. The lack of police has also led to increased looting and pillaging. "There was one day when we recorded 40 murders," said Santana Lopes. "As a rule, we have not seen more than twenty a month." The violence has created a state of chaos and fear in the city. Businesses and schools were closed and city buses withdrawn from circulation. Thousands of people have posted requests for help and videos on social media. Video posted on social media shows a carjacking in broad daylight robbery at a bus stop, a firefight on the street.
The state of Espirito Santo military police pays the lowest salary in the country $840, according to research by 2015. The highest salary in Brazil, where employees earn an average base salary of $2300.
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