Brazil: Thousands demonstrate against interim government in support of suspended Dilma Rousseff

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Brazil, protesting against the interim President Michel Temer, in support of the suspended leftist president Dilma Rousseff, who is due for trial on charges of manipulating the country's finances in order to gain electoral advantage.

Demonstrators marched through downtown Rio de Janeiro, waving placards which read 'Temer out' and 'Coup no, culture yes' as they protested against what they say is an illegitimate interim government which took over from President Dilma Rousseff after she was ousted on 12 May.

The new cabinet has been heavily criticised for being made up exclusively of white men, and for folding a ministry of women, racial equality and human rights into the far-bigger ministry of justice, led by a man.

"We are here to defend democracy and to fight against this government. We are taking over the streets and doing everything necessary so Temer leaves the government," student protester, Amanda Magalhaes told Reuters.

Sao Paulo saw similar demonstrations, with people storming Paulista Avenue holding giant banners and refusing to back down. Such protests have been going on since Rousseff's trial which brought in a centre-right interim government, in a process which many deem a coup.

Michel Temer has vowed to get Latin America's largest economy back on track after he put an end to 13 years of leftist rule. Yet Brazilian minorities fear that a deep economic recession and the spending cuts which the new government says are essential to recover could mean rolling back progressive policies.

The protesters have pledged to keep the fight, that they will not 'leave the streets' until justice is achieved.