Rio 2016: Boxer Hassan Saada Arrested over Assault

Moroccan boxer Hassan Saada has been detained in Brazil over allegations of assaulting two female cleaners in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic village.

The 22-year-old boxer was held on suspicion of committing the assaults on August 3, a police statement said.

Hassan Saada, who fights in the light-heavyweight category, was due to take part in his first bout on August 6.

A Brazilian judge has ordered Hassan Saada be detained for 15 days, pending an investigation, media reports said.

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

Brazilian media reports quoted police as saying the boxer had pushed one of the maids against a wall and tried to kiss her.

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

Judge Larissa Nunes 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 August 5 with the opening ceremony at the Maracana Stadium.

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

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