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Brazilians protest against the privatization of the Maracana stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. About 500 people, including Indians and students, protested Saturday, against privatization of the stadium because it will lead to the demolition of a nearby museum and a public school.
RIO DE JANEIRO—Hundreds of people have held a protest march against the privatization of Brazil's iconic Maracana Stadium.

Organizers say at least 800 people, including students, Indians and artists took part in the three-hour, 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) march Saturday carrying banners reading "Maracana is Ours."

Built for the 1950 World Cup, Maracana is being renovated for the city's upcoming sporting events that include the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympics and the final match of 2014 World Cup.

Besides the privatization, planned for next year, the demonstrators also protested against the planned demolitions of an indigenous museum, a public school and some athletics facilities near Maracana.

Government officials have said the museum isn't used anymore and that all the buildings need to be removed to guarantee the stadium's modernization.


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