Rio 2016 Olympic Games: Flag bearer arrested for 'sexually assaulting room cleaner'

The boxer who carried the Namibian flag at the Olympics opening ceremony has been arrested for sexual assault, the second such case to rock the Games.

Jonas Junias Jonas, 22, was detained Sunday after allegedly sexually assaulting a female room cleaner in the athletes' village in Rio de Janeiro, a police spokeswoman told AFP.

Jonas Junias Jonas made a sexually suggestive gestures and offered the woman money. Photo: Getty

His arrest came just two days after police arrested Moroccan boxer Hassan Saada, also 22, on suspicion of sexually assaulting two female cleaners in the athletes' village.

Brazilian news site G1 reported that Jonas kissed and groped the Brazilian housekeeper as she cleaned, while his coach stood by and watched.

"She was cleaning another room. He grabbed her from behind and gave her a kiss on the neck," police spokeswoman Carolina Salomao told G1.

Josh Taylor (R) of Scotland competes against Junias Jonas of Namibia in the Men's Light Welter (64kg). Photo: Getty

Jonas proceeded to make sexually suggestive gestures and offer the woman money, Salomao said.

"This shows a lack of respect for Brazilian women," she said.

Jonas's coach will not face charges, but "should have reprimanded him, at a minimum", she said.

The Namibian boxer carried his country's flag at the Olympics opening ceremony. Photo: AFP

Jonas was to fight Frenchman Hassan Amzile on Thursday in the light welterweight class.

Saada, who remains in custody, allegedly sexually assaulted two Brazilian room cleaners was handed an automatic loss for his qualifying bout in the light heavyweight class.

The Moroccan Boxing Federation said the women had been in Saada's room, but that he "does not understand the allegations".

"The doors were open, and no noise and no complaints were heard," it said adding there were also two other athletes allegedly in the room at the time.