Rio 2016:Moroccan Boxer Held Over Alleged Sex Assault in Rio Olympic Games Village

SO SOON?

Boxer Saada Hassan of Morocco who is competing in the 81 kg category poses after a training session at the Riocentro complex in Rio de Janeiro prior to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August
A Moroccan boxer has been arrested by Brazilian police over allegations of sexually assaulting two female cleaners in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Village.
Hassan Saada, a 22-year-old, was held on suspicion of committing the assaults on Wednesday, a police statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the boxer, who fights in the light-heavyweight category, was due to take part in his first bout on Saturday.

Media reports say a Brazilian judge has ordered that Saada be detained for 15 days, pending an investigation.

His detention could mean he is unable to take part in the Games.

The reports also quoted police as saying the boxer had pushed one of the maids against a wall, pressing her with his thighs, and tried to kiss her.

He is accused of squeezing the breast of the second maid and making obscene hand gestures to her.

There has been no immediate comment from Saada or Moroccan Olympic officials.


The judge, Larissa Saly, said the boxer must remain in detention while the allegations were investigated because of the risks he could reoffend or try to flee the country.

The 2016 Olympic Games officially start in Rio on Friday with the opening ceremony at the Maracana Stadium.

Athletes from 206 nations and a refugee team are in Brazil to compete in 28 sports, and they will be watched by a global audience of billions.

However, the build-up has been dominated by a Russian doping scandal, the Zika virus and issues with the city’s security, infrastructure and venues.

Don't you think it's too early?