More than 100 people were reported injured as police armed with tear gas and rubber bullets clashed with teachers in the southern Brazilian state of Parana on Wednesday (29 April).

It was the second day of violence in the state capital of Curitiba as demonstrators led by striking teachers protested an initiative introduced by the state governor Beto Richa they say would readjust state workers' pension plans.

The teachers have been on strike since Saturday (25 April) and students were among those who joined them on Wednesday at the demonstration.

The demonstrators marched on the state Legislative Assembly, where lawmakers were holding a preliminary vote on the bill that supporters say would save the state R$1.7bn (£372m, $575m) per year.

But teachers' groups say the adjustments would put their and other state employees' pension plans at risk, something the state has denied.

Police dressed in riot gear blocked the demonstrators from reaching the steps of the assembly building. Police used rubber bullets and fired tear gas into the crowds as they tried to impede them from reaching the building.

Local reports indicated the legislative session was temporarily halted as tear gas seeped into the legislative halls. A final vote on the measure is expected as soon as Thursday (30 April).

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