São Paulo Favela Residents Clash with Police Amidst Eviction Threat

São Paulo Favela Residents Clash with Police Over Eviction Plans Residents of the Moinho favela in central São Paulo engaged in a tense standoff with police on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, after blocking a major intersection to protest planned demolitions of their homes. The protest, which took place at the intersection of Alameda Eduardo Prado and Avenida Rio Branco, resulted in police deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd. "They came in with shields and started firing tear gas," said one resident, who requested anonymity, describing the chaotic scene. "We were just trying to protect our homes and our community." The city government has stated that the demolitions are necessary due to safety concerns and the land's ownership by the federal government. However, residents argue they have nowhere else to go and accuse the authorities of disregarding their rights. The incident underscores the ongoing struggle faced by many favela communities in Brazil, caught between the need for urban development and the fight for housing rights. The situation remains tense, and further protests are anticipated.