An investigation has been opened in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul following the death of a footwear workers' union member at a demonstration. Jair Antônio da Costa, 31, died on September 30 during a demonstration over unemployment in the footwear industry which involved over 2,000 workers from the Vale do Sinos shoe manufacturing cluster - the largest in the country – along with members of Congress and representatives of national workers' unions.

According to witnesses Mr. Costa was attacked by officers of the Military Brigade in the town of Sapiranga during a confrontation between demonstrators and the Military Brigade and appeared to be strangled.

The victim suffered a heart attack on the way to hospital and doctors were unable to save him. The Coroner's report following an autopsy stated that he died due to asphyxia followed by bruising to the larynx and trauma. As a result, three members of the Military Brigade and two highway policemen have been suspended in connection with the incident. The enquiry shall hear from those directly involved as well as demonstrators and other witnesses.