Ugly protest mars Rio Olympics 2016 torch journey

Ugly scenes marred the arrival of the Olympic torch in Rio as demonstrators turned out in protest

Rio de Janeiro: Ugly scenes marred the arrival of the Olympic torch in Rio as demonstrators turned out in protest.

Protesters clash with Brazilian police during a demonstration against the Olympic torch relay in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. Pic/AFP

Against a backdrop of civil and political unrest in the country, hundreds of people turned out to challenge the torch's arrival in the city out of anger over the cost of hosting the games.

The torch arrived in Rio by boat and was then carried through the streets by the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes, with reports saying police had to use tear gas and pepper spray to disperse some sections of the crowd.

Over 80,000 police and security staff are being used in Rio — double the amount used for the London Games in 2012. Away from the protests, the build-up to Rio has seen traffic jams bringing the city to a halt as express lane for athletes and officials come into use.

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