Rivaldo urges foreigners to avoid Rio Olympics due to violence

Retired football great Rivaldo has recommended that foreigners avoid the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro due to the violence and other problems plaguing Brazil.

"I advise all those who plan to visit Brazil or come to the Olympics in Rio to stay in their own countries. Here you'll be running the risk of death," Rivaldo said in a message posted on his Instagram account on Sunday, reports Efe.

Rivaldo alluded to the murder of a 17-year-old girl during a robbery Saturday morning on one of Rio's main roads, the Linea Amarilla, which links the international airport to the majority of Olympic venues.

Criminals and police engaged in a shootout Saturday night on Avenida Brasil, an important thoroughfare that connects the airport to downtown Rio de Janeiro.

A suspected criminal was killed and four people caught in the crossfire were wounded.

Rio de Janeiro, which is home to nearly 6 million people, registered 1,202 murders in 2015, official figures show.

Rivaldo also referred to the public health crisis in Rio de Janeiro, saying that "the public hospitals lack the resources" to treat Brazilians and tourists.

--IANS

sam/vm