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Olympic boxer arrested over two rape allegations in Rio

The Moroccan boxer's arrest was confirmed on the day of the Olympics opening ceremony
Image: The Moroccan boxer's arrest was confirmed on the day of the Olympics opening ceremony

A boxer has been arrested for allegedly raping two female workers at the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro, police have said.

Officers detained 22-year-old Hassan Saada, a Moroccan athlete, after allegations of rape were made.

The alleged sexual assaults took place on Wednesday, police said in a statement.

There are conflicting reports as to whether the complainants worked as cleaners or waitresses at the village.

Saada was arrested on Friday and is being held in a prison cell - a day before his first fight was scheduled to take place.

Police said he would remain in jail for 15 days while they investigate the claims.

Olympic Village in Rio, where the alleged assaults took place
Image: Olympic Village in Rio, where the alleged assaults took place

Under Brazilian law, suspects can be held for a lengthy period while a case is examined.

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The light-heavyweight boxer was due to fight Mehmet Nadir of Turkey in the preliminary rounds on Saturday.

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