Protest against demolishing museum in Rio

A supporter of the native Indian community is arrested by police officers during a protest outside the Indian museum, next to the Maracana stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Dec 16, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil's riot police arrested 26 people during a protest against scheduled demolition of the Indian Museum in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.

The museum, which is significant to the indigenous people, is located next to Maracana stadium that will host football games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Among those arrested were indigenous and non-indigenous activists, who had occupied the museum since Sunday to protest the government's decision to demolish it to make way for World Cup events.

The police used tear gas to disperse the protesters. Some 150 members of the anti-riot unit of the military police participated in the operation early Monday.

Since the government announced it would tear down the Indian Museum, hundreds of activists opposing the decision have clashed with police for several times.