Police Fire Tear Gas at Protesters Near Olympic Stadium
A large police presence deployed tear gas toward the demonstrators.
— -- Police and protesters clashed during a march near the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro where opening ceremonies were set to take place Friday evening.
Tensions flared as police fired tear gas towards the protesters in Alfonso Pena Square, less than two miles away from Maracana Stadium. The demonstrations were reportedly planned to end at the square, but protesters continued to march toward the stadium. Posts to Twitter indicate that before then, police were allowing them to march, but "slowly."
Little bit louder now as police are blocking the road. pic.twitter.com/c10M831Tsr
— Eric Adelson (@eric_adelson) August 5, 2016
The two groups clashed after police blocked the path of the demonstrators. It is unclear how many people were injured or arrested.
Earlier today, an additional protest on the famed Copacabana beach stopped the Olympic torch relay.
Little bit louder now as police are blocking the road. pic.twitter.com/c10M831Tsr
The two groups clashed after police blocked the path of the demonstrators. It is unclear how many people were injured or arrested.
Earlier today, an additional protest on the famed Copacabana beach stopped the Olympic torch relay.