Hundreds of campaigners occupied the construction site of the Belo Monte dam project in the Brazilian Amazon.
The protesters want work on the multi-billion dollar dam stopped, arguing that it will displace thousands of indigenous people and damage the environment.
The protesters, many from indigenous groups, left the site after several hours following a judge's order.
The government says the project is crucial to meeting energy needs.
The Indian Missionary Council (Cimi), an organisation backed by the Catholic Church, said more than 600 Indians, fishermen and locals occupied the site and the road leading to it.
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