Brazilians Rally Against Olympic Games, Cost Overruns & Social Segregation

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August 5, 2016 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Clashes broke out between police and demonstrators, who took to the streets of the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro to protest against Olympic Games and social segregation.

The confrontations came after protesters tried to block the passage of the Olympic torch relay, in the city of Niteroi, in Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area this week.

According to reports, police used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators and detained at least three individuals.

Social justice campaigners rallied to protest against the “segregation” of their city, which they say the Olympic Games have worsened.

The campaigners called Rio 2016 “The Exclusion Games,” criticizing how large sporting events, such as the upcoming Olympics, have been used by politicians to push an agenda that divides the city.

“All these events, like the World Cup, the Pan-American and the Olympic Games, produced a process of space segregation that is even greater than what Rio de Janeiro had before,” protester Fernando Maldonado said.

The Brazilian federal government has recently authorized $890 million dollars in emergency aid to Rio to help provide necessary security and infrastructure.

The Games, which are set to start in Rio de Janeiro on August 5, are expected to attract millions of visitors and fans from around the world.

The development comes as Brazilian Special Senate Committee rapporteur Antonio Anastasia on Tuesday called for the continuation of the impeachment proceedings against suspended President Dilma Rousseff.

Eduardo Paes, the mayor of Rio, had the honor to carry the torch throughout the streets of Rio, putting on a happy face knowing it really begins now.