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Olympic boxer arrested over two rape allegations in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 31:  Soldiers stand guard outside the Olympic Athletes Village on July 31, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  (Photo by David R
Image: The Moroccan boxer's arrest was confirmed on the day of the Olympics opening ceremony

A boxer has been arrested for allegedly raping two female workers at the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro, police have said.

Officers detained 22-year-old Hassan Saada, a Moroccan athlete, after allegations of rape were made.

The alleged sexual assaults took place on Wednesday, police said in a statement.

There are conflicting reports as to whether the complainants worked as cleaners or waitresses at the village.

Saada was arrested on Friday and is being held in a prison cell - a day before his first fight was scheduled to take place.

Police said he would remain in jail for 15 days while they investigate the claims.

A general view of the Olympic Village in Rio
Image: Olympic Village in Rio, where the alleged assaults took place

Under Brazilian law, suspects can be held for a lengthy period while a case is examined.

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The light-heavyweight boxer was due to fight Mehmet Nadir of Turkey in the preliminary rounds on Saturday.

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