Brazil’s Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes attends a press conference on arrests made in at least two states before the start of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, in Brasilia July 21, 2016.
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They said: “All threats related to Rio 2016 Games are being thoroughly cleared, in particular those related to terrorism”.
The minister said the leader of the group was based in the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba, with others spread in nine Brazilian states. Asked why he thought they were amateurish, he replied: “‘A few days ago they said they should start practicing martial arts, for example'”. “This moment is crucial because it demonstrates an act of preparation”, de Moraes said. They go on to note that once in Brazil, weapons could easily be obtained in area slums for a small price. Brazilian Intelligence Agency (ABIN) officials have expressed concern about the ease with which a “lone wolf” terrorist could buy arms there and bring them to Brazil.
Earlier attacks were against Western nations like France, Belgium, and the United States. To that end, Moraes said Rio’s anti-crime measures and the strengthening of security forces has required greater effort to prepare than counter-terrorism measures.
The memo said: “If the French police cannot stop attacks on its territory, training given to the Brazilian police will not do anything”.
Gohel said he believes posts about a Brazilian branch of ISIS are concerning but he’s confident Brazil is taking it seriously.
Ferreti said ticket sales “are increasing each day” and he said Rio expects to meets its budget estimate of raising 1.045 billion reals ($320 million) through ticket sales. “Brazil you are next”, it warned.
The suspects have been accused of promoting propaganda from the so-called Islamic State group and allegedly had been in online contact with members of the terrorist group.
The Rio Olympics will begin on August 5. “He is extremely motivated, he is aware of what the Olympics represent and wants to help as much possible”, he said.
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He described the group as “an absolutely amateur cell” and “disorganized”.
