Rampant Crime Rate in Rio Makes City Less Safe for Tourists

Rio de Janeiro has been caught in the midst of antisocial activity with people being stabbed and robbed frequently in the capital city of Brazil.

In the last month the city has seen three stabbing and attempts and two mugging. A 57 years old doctor was stabbed in the arm and stomach. The man was admitted to the hospital where he died later due to his injuries.

The attack was made on a scenic spot of Rio behind the Ipanema beach and in sight of the Christ the Redeemer statue. This is a place which is frequented by tourists and the rise of violence has brought great concern among tourism authorities.

A Vietnamese visitor was stabbed in the back. She however managed to survive despite the shock and injuries she received. A local resident was also attacked with knife in Laranjeiras. In February a German tourist was attacked who had come to attend an annual carnival celebrations near the city Cathedral.

The president of the Brazilian Hotel Industry Association (ABIH), Alfredo Lopes feels that violence has returned to the city. People are facing the outcome of the lack of security in the state.

He feels that the Brazilian justice system is much to be blamed for this condition as the police are not given sufficient power to detain offender. In places which are frequented by tourists like Lagoa, crime will only make it hard for tourism to prosper.