Rousseff impeachment trial opens

Senators launched the impeachment trial of Brazil's suspended President Dilma Rousseff on Thursday, expected to end 13 years of her party's rule in Latin America's biggest economy.

The warm vibe of the Rio Olympic Games has faded and tension returned as the emotionally charged affair nears its climax, with Rousseff facing removal from office within days.

Chief justice Ricardo Lewandowski declared the trial open and later briefly suspended it as senators yelled at each other while debating procedural matters.