Their faces covered in black masks, they seized Brazil's attention last year in scenes of violence that invaded TV screens during what was supposed to be a festive football tournament.
Now, one year after the protests that overshadowed the Confederations Cup, the authorities see the Black Bloc -- the masked demonstrators at the heart of some of last June's most violent moments -- as one of the main security threats to the World Cup.
But behind their masks, they are mostly ordinary middle- and lower-middle-class youths who want social change in Brazil.
After getting off work -- an eight-hour night shift as a hospital lab technician -- Elizabeth arrives home exhausted to the small but well-kept apartment where she lives with her father in a northern Rio de Janeiro favela that is mainly governed by drug traffickers.
Her salary, 1,100 reals ($482, 350 euros) a month, is not enough to get her own place, or to move out of the shantytown.
Running on little sleep, she prepares her gas mask and other gear for a new protest in central Rio, days from the World Cup kick-off on June 12.
Few protesters, Black Bloc or others, end up coming -- a far cry from the one million people who flooded the streets during the Confederations Cup, a World Cup dress rehearsal.
But that doesn't bother Elizabeth (her name has been changed).
"There are a lot of people, and not just those who believe in Black Bloc tactics, who are saving their energy for the World Cup," she tells AFP, in a rare interview with a member of the movement.
'Fire, son of a bitch!'
Behind the black scarf covering her face is a pretty, soft-spoken 21-year-old with enormous eyes, brown skin and braces on her teeth.
She grabs some posters to hang in the subway, one with a woman opening her blouse in front of a policeman and shouting "Fire, you son of a bitch!"
It is a tribute to victims of police violence in Rio's impoverished neighborhoods, Elizabeth says.
"Since I was little I dreamed people would take to the streets as they're doing now," she says.
She does not label herself an anarchist -- a term she calls "very strong" -- but says she sympathizes with the ideology, which she sees as opposing a capitalist system that is "based on meanness, on taking advantage of and exploiting human beings."
In the short term, though, Black Bloc is not seeking utopia -- just better public transport, education and health care.
"A lot of people die in line at the hospital," says Elizabeth, who lost her mother to lupus 10 years ago.
History at its worst
Black Bloc is the descendant of an anti-establishment movement born in Germany in the 1980s. It gained notoriety during violent street protests at the 1999 World Trade Organization summit in Seattle, a pivotal moment in the anti-globalization movement.
Elizabeth joined the Brazilian version last June.
"Some policemen were attacking me. I hadn't done anything. And some Black Bloc pushed them away and got me out of that situation. The people who were supposed to be protecting me were hitting me and the people who were supposedly vandals were helping me," she says.
Since then she has worn a black mask at protests.
Black Bloc is not a formal group, she says, but "a tactic for action that anyone can join."
During the past year's protests its adherents have destroyed banks, trashed public property, thrown petrol bombs and attacked police with stones and clubs.
But Elizabeth says that is merely "a reaction to violence by the police, who always hit first."
Their worst moment came in February, when TV cameraman Santiago Andrade was killed when he was struck by a flare thrown by a Black Bloc protester who is now in prison.
"I think it was a mistake, and I deeply regret his death. But it was an accident. It wasn't anyone's intention and yet it's being judged that way," says Elizabeth.
She says she believes violence should only be used in response to attacks, but adds: "You can't control everyone."
Since last June, the Black Bloc have continued taking to the street, playing a larger role in protests that have grown smaller overall.
But recently their numbers have dwindled, a fact Elizabeth blames on threats from the police. She says four agents have threatened her on Facebook.
When she is not working or protesting, Elizabeth plays sports and loves reading and writing.
She is currently reading a book on Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. She says she wants to understand history at its worst.
AFP
Fri Jun 06 2014
BLACK BLOC: They are youths who want social change in Brazil - AFP PHOTO / YASUYOSHI CHIBA
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.