Brazil expects Olympics without protests despite tensions
Rio de Janeiro municipal police officers stand guard during a demolition of what remains of the Vila Autodromo slum, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, March 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Renata Brito)Brazil\’s Defense Minister Aldo Rebelo has downplayed risks of massive protests during the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, despite the country\’s economy and political crisis and a mushrooming scandal at state-run oil giant Petrobras.
Rebelo told a news conference in Brasilia that the expected 85,000 security agents, including 38,000 members of the armed forces, will be enough to guarantee safety during the games from Aug. 5-21.
Rebelo also said that violent protests, like those during the 2013 Confederations Cup, are not likely, but "have to be confronted and repressed if they happen".
Many Brazilians are expected to take to the streets again this weekend, with different groups either demonstrating their opposition to — or support for — President Dilma Rousseff, who faces impeachment proceedings.
SOURCE: AFP
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