Brazilian President Warns on Violence

President Jose Sarney, shaken by an anti-government demonstration Thursday in which 76 people were injured and more than 30 police and army vehicles were torched, warned Friday that he will not tolerate violent protests against his controversial economic policies.

Heated opposition to a series of 100% price hikes and wage limitations produced the biggest demonstration staged in the Brazilian capital since the end of military rule 20 months ago and sparked calls by congressional leaders to declare a moratorium on the foreign debt.

“The government respects the right of dissent as long as it is carried out in law and order,” Sarney said in a firm, tense voice during his weekly radio broadcast Friday morning. “But I cannot tolerate any abuse in the exercise of that dissent.”