Violence and Crime
Brazil has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world. Public gunbattles have been a problem in Rio’s slums and a dismembered foot washed up near the beach volleyball site. Some expect the city to become more violent during the games, as drug gangs seek to flex their muscle. In June, an Australian Paralympic athlete and three Spanish sailing team members were robbed at gunpoint, both in broad daylight. Officials continue to promise that the expected 300,000 visitors will be safe.
