Olympics boxer arrested over alleged sexual assault

Brazilian police have arrested a Moroccan boxer over allegations that he sexually assaulted two female cleaners in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic village.

Brazilian media reported that Hassan Saada, 22, had pushed one of the maids against a wall, pressed her with his thighs and tried to kiss her. He also allegedly squeezed the breast of the second maid and made obscene hadn gestures to her.

The boxer, who fights in the light-heavyweight category, was due to take part in his first bout – against Turkey’s Mehmet Nadir Unal – on Saturday. However, a Brazilian judge has now ordered that he be detained for 15 days, which could disqualify from him from taking part in the Games.

The judge, Larissa Nunes Saly, said that Saada must remain in detention pending an investigation because of the risks he could reoffend or try to flee the country. There has been no immediate comment from Saada or Moroccan Olympic officials.

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 will compete in 28 sports in a competition that will be watched by a global audience of billions.