Brazil

Moroccan Boxer Arrested Over Sex Assault Allegations at Olympic Village

Two other athletes were reportedly in the room, but did not participate in the alleged attack

Brazilian police said they have temporarily jailed a Moroccan Olympic boxer on allegations he sexually assaulted two Brazilian women at the Olympic Village.

In a statement, police said they arrested boxer Hassan Saada Friday for possible assaults on two Brazilian women who worked as waitresses in the accommodation center built for the Olympic Games.

According to Brazilian police, Saada called the victims to his room as if to ask a question, Brazil's OGlobo reported. When they responded to his quarters, the boxer attack them, grabbing the thighs of one of the waitresses and the breasts of the other, police said. Two other athletes were reportedly in the room, but did not participate in the alleged attack. The two victims were able to break free and escape. 

Saada will be jailed for a period of 15 days while police conduct a rape investigation, authorities said. Under Brazilian law, suspects can be held for a long period of time while a case is examined.

Saada was due to compete Saturday. A light heavyweight boxer, he was set to fight Mehmet Nadir of Turkey in the preliminary rounds Saturday at 12:30 p.m. He was not predicted to be a medal contender.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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