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Protesters in Brazil successful in (briefly) extinguishing Olympic torch

Related Topics: Olympic flame, Brazil

A group of activist teachers in Brazil were successful in grabbing the Olympic torch and briefly extinguishing it this week, the first successful attempt after others have tried and failed to do so.

The teachers said they were protesting delayed payments from the government. After taking the torch and extinguishing it, they relinquished it after Brazilian officials intervened. It was then relit and later the procession continued.

Here is amateur video of the protests:

Local news reports said that the Brazilian military eventually disbanded the protests using tear gas and rubber bullets, and in return were showered with rocks and bricks by the crowd.