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Scandal in Olympic Village as Moroccan boxer arrested for sexual assault

Rio de Janeiro: The Olympic Village has been hit by its first scandal, with a Moroccan boxer arrested by Brazilian police after allegedly assaulting two female room cleaners.

Rio police have confirmed Hassan Saada, 22, was arrested on Friday morning, suspected of assaulting two Brazilian housekeepers at the Athletes Village on Wednesday.

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Moroccan boxer arrested for sexual assault

Moroccan boxer, Hassan Saada, was arrested by Brazilian police after allegedly assaulting two female room cleaners in the Athletes Village in Rio.

In a statement provided to Fairfax Media police said a local magistrate has deferred the case for 15 days, keeping the athlete in "preventative custody" until then based on evidence obtained during the investigation.

According to local website G1, he called the housekeepers to his room and was alleged to have attacked at least one of the maids, squeezing her breast and trying to kiss her. He was also alleged to have offered money to one of the women to perform sexual favour. Reports suggest there were two other athletes in the room but neither were involved.

G1 quoted police deputy Carolina Salomao, saying: "We hope this will serve as an example. It's a great disrespect, independent of the culture. It's the law that counts.

"There are rumours there have been other cases in the Olympic Village," she was quoted by G1 as saying.

The Rio Olympic Committee confirmed to Fairfax Media it was aware of the case and awaiting the results of the investigation. 

Saada was due to compete on Saturday in his opening fight.

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