Brazil is threatening to halt construction on the already delayed World Cup stadium over concerns for workers’ safety.
Prosecutors claim to have found irregularities at the Itaquerao Stadium, where nearly 20,000 temporary seats are being installed ready for the opening match in four weeks.
Constructors were reportedly advised about safety problems a few weeks ago, but nothing has been done.
But the company in charge of the temporary seats dismissed claims work would be stopped and said the complaints were about “minor issues.”
Road blocks and marches hit Brazilian cities as desperate groups criticised spending on the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament and sought to revive a call for better public services that swept the country last June.
Protests against the World Cup took place in at least 12 Brazilian cities, according the GloboNews 24-hour news channel.
In Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, a main thoroughfare was blocked with burning tires. Protesters also stormed a building in the capital Brasilia.
In São Paulo, the city hosting the opening match of the World Cup, Police and protesters clashed as demonstrations against the World Cup and rallies calling for improved public services erupted in several Brazilian cities.
Officers in Brazil’s largest city fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters who set piles of rubbish alight to barricade a central avenue.
Demonstrators blasted the billions spent to host next month’s football tournament and said they wanted to draw attention to what they called a lack of investment to improve poor public services.
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