Deserted streets in the Brazilian city of Salvador.<br/> <br />The city's residents chose to remain indoors as strike by 4,000 policemen continues.<br/> <br />Since the strike calling for higher pay began on January 31st, violent crime and murder rate has more than doubled.<br/> <br />In response, Brazil has deployed 3,500 soldiers in an attempt to bring order to the city.<br/> <br />After speaking to an army general, a representative of the striking police force said he will not sleep as the situation remained tense.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) IZIDORO, A REPRESENTATIVE OF STRIKING POLICE FORCE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I know that the army general is very sure that there will not be any bloodshed, but just as he says that one must sleep with one eye open, well I am going to sleep with both of my eyes open."<br/> <br />Authorities said at least 93 homicides have been registered in different neighbourhoods. That is a 129 percent increase from the previous week.<br/> <br />Sophia Soo, Reuters.
