32 injured in clash between police, protesters in Brazil

At least 30 police officers and two protesters were injured during a protest here on Wednesday, local media reported.

The clash began when the police used tear gas and rubber bullets against protesting members of the Landless Workers' Movement (MST) who gathered outside main government buildings.

The police said eight officers were hospitalized after suffering head injuries caused by rocks or pieces of wood thrown by the protesters.

Some 20,000 protesters participated in the MST rally to demand land reform and more rural schools.

The MST protesters occupied a square flanked by the Brazilian Congress, the Supreme Court of Justice and the Government Palace, but President Dilma Rousseff was not there then.

At least three clashes were reported between the police and the protesters.

Secretary General of the Presidency Gilberto Carvalho said Rousseff will meet an MST delegation on Thursday.

From Monday until Friday, the MST is holding its 6th National Congress and celebrating its 30th anniversary, to review its current situation and discuss its new strategies to fight for land, land reform and social change.

The MST was founded in 1984 and it is Brazil's main organized social movement, which is struggling to help some local families obtain land.