Brazilian police and supporters of embattled president Dilma Rousseff faced off in front of the Senate on Wednesday prior to a vote that could see her suspended from office and put on trial for corruption charges.

Police needed to use pepper spray to hold back Rousseff supporters who had been throwing flares at them. A metal fence was erected to separate the pro-Rousseff crowd from about 6,000 impeachment backers.

Several protesters needed to be carted away by rescue workers after inhaling pepper spray fumes. One person was arrested for inciting violence.

Brazil’s supreme court rejected a last-minute appeal by President Dilma Rousseff to stop the Senate impeachment process against her, clearing the way for debate.  A vote is expected by early Thursday.

The Senate is now debating whether to put her on trial for corruption, after allegations she manipulated funds to hide Brazil’s finances during her 2014 re-election campaign. If it does so, Rousseff would be suspended from office. 

Rousseff says her political opponents, including Vice President Michel Temer, who also is also under investigation for corruption, are attempting a coup.

Newspaper polls have indicated that 50 senators are expected to vote in favor of a trial – many more than the majority needed. However, it is not clear that these senators would also vote to convict her.
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