Black Brazilians protest racism, police violence

They were also protesting what they called the "false" anniversary of the abolition of slavery, officially marked for the day in 1888 when the Brazilian monarch's daughter, Princess Isabel, signed the law freeing slaves.

Black Brazilians celebrate the end of slavery on November 20, the anniversary of the killing of Zumbi, a figure of resistance against slavery and the last leader of a runaway slaves community called Palmares.

Around 1,000 people marched through downtown Sao Paulo, accusing far-right President Jair Bolsonaro of complicity in police violence.

Signs decried the shooting deaths of 28 people in a slum called Jacarezinho on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro a week ago during an operation that police said targeted drug traffickers.