Protesters on Friday promised more organized action across Brazil in the days to come, following clashes in which police in Sao Paulo set upon thousands of young demonstrators angered by hikes in bus and subway fares.

Newspapers carried photos of bloodied protesters and journalists with battered, swollen faces, a young couple being beaten by police and videos of tear gas canisters and rubber bullets being fired into crowds chanting “no violence!” Protesters set fire to garbage bags piled in streets, broke windows and spray-painted graffiti on buildings and buses.

More than 100 protesters and 12 police were injured and over 230 people detained and later released in the Thursday night demonstrations in Sao Paulo.

Similar protests were seen in Rio de Janeiro, the capital Brasilia and in Porte Alegre in southern Brazil. The conflicts come just as the Confederations Cup football tournament opens and the nation prepares to host Pope Francis next month on his first international trip as pontiff.

Since the end of the 1964-85 military dictatorship, Brazil has witnessed few protests as violent as those in recent days. The focus of the protests is a 10-cent hike in public transport fares.

Protesters said that seemingly small increase released pent-up frustrations in a nation with a heavy tax burden yet woeful public education, health and transport systems.

“It’s about much more than those 10 cents. It’s about a society that is sick of corrupt politicians not making good on their promises to make improvements,” said Bruno Bisaglia, 24, who was gathering video testimony about the protests. “We want decent education, health care and transportation. That’s what this fight is all about.”

Sao Paulo Mayor Fernando Haddad, whose office doesn’t have responsibility over police, said individual officers “must be investigated” for using excessive force.

“Police always follow protocols. When these are followed, things go smoothly,” Haddad told Globo TV. “But, according to images divulged by the press, the police yesterday apparently did not follow protocols, which is why the Public Safety department has ordered an investigation.”

Sao Paulo state Gov. Geraldo Alckmin, who does have authority over police, told Globo an investigation is under way.

But he defended the officers, saying that “police are obliged to protect the population and …read more

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