Sun, sand and protests in Rio ahead of the opening ceremony
Henri Paget
Tourists and locals have hit Copacabana Beach on the day of the opening ceremony, just metres from angry protests against the interim president Michael Temer.
(Sam Reynolds, TODAY Show)
Waving signs reading “Out Temer!”, a crowd of about 3,000 blocked an avenue outside the luxury Copacabana Palace Hotel where many Olympic athletes are staying.
(Sam Reynolds, TODAY Show)
(Sam Reynolds, TODAY Show)
Attribution: Not Supplied
Passing cars honked their horns, some in support for the protesters and others in anger at getting stuck in a traffic jam.
(Josh Martin, 9NEWS)
(Josh Martin, 9NEWS)
Attribution: Not Supplied
(Josh Martin, 9NEWS)
Attribution: Not Supplied
But just metres from the protests, down on the beach itself, it was completely different scene - with thousands of bathers enjoying the sun.
(Sam Reynolds, TODAY Show)
(Sam Reynolds, TODAY Show)
Attribution: Not Supplied
(Sam Reynolds, TODAY Show)
Attribution: Not Supplied
(Josh Martin, 9NEWS)
Attribution: Not Supplied
