The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says it is “fully supportive of peaceful protest” in Brazil and confident the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will bring major benefits to the city and country.
In a statement Thursday to The Associated Press the IOC said, “the Olympic Games in 2016 will bring significant benefits to the whole population of Rio, improving the city in terms of transport, infrastructure and social housing, as well as bringing a considerable sporting legacy for Brazil”.
The IOC said polls have shown that the majority of the population support the Games, “and the legacy they will bring”.
“We are always fully supportive of peaceful protest and remain confident in the ability of the Games as a powerful catalyst for improving the world through sport”, said the IOC.
City, state and other local governments are spending more than $12 billion on projects for the Olympics in Rio.
