FIFA World Cup Brazil Office Managing Dir Ron Del Mont "confirmed that 'in no way' has FIFA asked for relaxed security on construction in an effort to meet stadiums' deadlines," according to the EFE. Del Mont: "Rushing is bad not only for the security of the workers, but also for the fans." Brazil Sports Vice-Minister Luis Fernandes "ruled out that a fatal accident in Manaus on Sunday was the result of pressure to complete construction." Fernandes said, "The companies that are building the stadiums are global companies with a lot of experience. The accidents are not related to inexperience or failure to meet safety regulations." Fernandes added that Brazil has "labor laws that guarantee strong legal protection to workers and carry strong punishments for businesses that do not meet safety regulations" (EFE, 12/17).
PROTESTORS EVACUATED: LA AFICION reported Rio de Janeiro's Military Police on Monday evacuated a building next to the Maracana stadium that was "occupied by indigenous citizens and demonstrators." During the operation, "25 people were arrested for refusing to leave the building." Brazil's regional government "indicated that the invaded building was one of four that the state of Rio de Janeiro bought to build temporary structures that will be complementary to the stadium during the World Cup and later converted into a Football Museum" (LA AFICION, 12/16).
