Rio slum violence breaks out ahead of Brazil World Cup

Death of professional dancer, said to be killed by police, sparks rioting in Rio de Janeiro

A man walks past armed police officers in a favela near Copacabana beach
(Image credit: CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)

THE death of a dancer allegedly killed by police in a Rio de Janeiro slum near Copacabana beach has sparked violent protests in the city, just weeks before it plays host to the opening game of the 2014 World Cup.

The trouble began after angry residents demonstrated outside a police station, accusing officers of murdering professional dancer Douglas Rafael da Silva in the mistaken belief that he was a drug trafficker, reports the BBC.

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