France informed of plot to attack Rio Olympics team
July 14, 2016
French intelligence has been informed of an Islamist militant plot to attack France's Rio Olympics team. Brazilian intelligence said they were unaware of the alleged plot.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/C. Simon
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France was informed by a foreign intelligence agency of a planned attack on its Rio Olympics team, the head of French military intelligence said.
General Christophe Gomart, head of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DRM), in May told a parliamentary commission investigating Islamist militant terror attacks in France in 2015 that a "partner agency" had informed them of the plot.
According to a transcript of the hearing just made public, a Brazilian national planned the attack. No other details of the alleged plot were available.
Wilson Roberto Trezza, the head of Brazil's intelligence agency, told reporters on Wednesday that neither France nor any other country had contacted his agency about the alleged plot.
Brazilian Minister of Justice Alexandre Moraes said in July that a jihadist terror attack during the August 5-21 Rio de Janeiro Olympics was a "possibility" but "not a probability."
Brazil travel on a shoestring: Favela hostels in Rio
Rio de Janiero's favela hostels offer breathtaking views, sun-drenched patios and rooms that cost a fraction of nearby hotels. Aggressive policing and gentrification have opened up a new tier of tourism in Brazil.
Image: Reuters/P. Olivares
Stunning vistas
Relaxing with a spectacular view of Sugar Loaf mountain at the Pousada Favelinha (Little Favela Inn) in Rio de Janeiro's Pereira da Silva. Hostels in a few of the city´s more than 1,000 slums are a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August.
Image: Reuters/P. Olivares
Beaches, samba and more
Visitors glimpse popular Ipanema beach through a window at the Alto Vidigal hostel in Vidigal favela. Such hostels give tourists a taste of the rich culture of Rio's urban shantytowns.
Image: Reuters/P. Olivares
On top of the world
The woman lounging on the terrace of Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela is engrossed in her book, but clearly there is no lack of incredible views from this hostel perched high above the city. It's an experience that gives tourists a glimpse into the former no-go areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population live.
Image: Reuters/P. Olivares
'Experience' the neighborood
A worker at Pousada Favelinha poses for a photograph. A few years ago, residents began to discover tourism as a business opportunity, offering not only overnights in hostels but neighborhood tours, too.
Image: Reuters/P. Olivares
Panoramic view
A glassed-in suite at the Mirante do Arvrao hostel in Vidigal favela, a neighborhood that clings to a steep hill and overlooks Rio's exclusive beaches. Security brings tourism: Police and soldiers seized control from drug gangs in Rio's favelas in the 2008 "pacification" program, and set up a permanent security presence - a policy that has led to widespread complaints of rights violations.
Image: Reuters/P. Olivares
Affordable and authentic
Favela hostel guests appreciate the affordable rates, but most agree that's not what most attracts them: That would be the dynamic experience and the interesting locals.
Image: Reuters/P. Olivares
'Peace and tranquility'
Solange dos Santos manages the Favelinha hostel. The daily rate for a double bedroom is about $30, compared with $250 at nearby three-star hotels. The favela visitors interact with the residents, she says. "They say, 'Wow, this isn't anything like what we've heard about!' There is peace and tranquility here."
Image: Reuters/P. Olivares
A hammock with a view
High above Rio, the city's traffic din fades. Budget travelers find affordable rooms , a unique cultural experience and incredible views in the urban slums.
