Belgian photographer murdered in Rio: media

Belgian photographer Ben Lievens has been found dead at a hostel in Rio de Janerio, Brazil, local news services reported Tuesday.

The Belgian Foreign Ministry confirmed he suffered a violent death.

The exact circumstances of his death are being investigated.

The body of the photographer was discovered at his hostel in the Santa Teresa district of Rio on Tuesday. He died by a bullet to the head.

According to the Brazilian television station Rede Record, Lievens' wife filed three complaints with the police against the photographer on charges of aggression.

Following the discovery of his body, she was questioned by the police and gave a statement. At this stage, she has not being ruled out of the investigation.

Lievens had been living in Brazil for the past decade, where he also opened a bed and breakfast. He has been married for six years, and has one son. Endit