Squatters invade Rio building that was to become a luxury hotel for Olympics

People stand behind a gate at the entrance of an abandoned residential apartment building in Flamengo neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Squatters invaded the residence and demanded city officials put them into social housing. Photograph: Silvia Izquierdo/AP

A vast Art Deco residential building in Rio de Janeiro that Brazils one-time richest man was supposed to transform into a luxury hotel ahead of the 2016 Olympics has been invaded by squatters.

Around 100 people moved into the building overnight Monday and Tuesday, slipping through a breach in the wrought-iron fence.

The squatters, many recently evicted from another site in downtown Rio, said they were determined to remain in the building until city officials agreed to provide them housing.

Were only leaving here with a house. If not, were staying right here, said Alexandre Pereira da Silva, an unemployed father of three, one of several squatters who spoke to reporters across the iron fence, their faces shrouded from cameras by blankets.

Long owned by Rio soccer team Flamengo, the building was part of a deal by a company belonging to former Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista, who pledged to turn it into a hotel in return for paying millions of dollars in back taxes owed on the property.

More than 20 stories high, the commanding structure looks over Guanabara Bay as well as the citys two landmarks, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Former residents of the apartment building were evicted in late 2012, around the time when Batistas oil, mining, logistics and ship-making empire began to crumble. He now is on trial, accused of insider trading.

The company responsible for the renovation declared bankruptcy, and construction never began. The building remained empty, becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes and cockroaches. Residents of the surrounding middle-class neighbourhood complain it has attracted vandals, contributing to a surge in muggings nearby.

Local city councilwoman Leila do Flamengo said she thought legal proceedings to expel the squatters soon would be taken.

Continued here:
Squatters invade Rio building that was to become a luxury hotel for Olympics