Brazil’s President Lula Dismisses Human Rights Minister Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has dismissed Human Rights Minister Silvio Almeida following allegations of sexual misconduct. In a statement released Friday evening, the presidential palace declared that maintaining Almeida in his role was “unsustainable” due to the serious nature of the accusations. Almeida has denied any wrongdoing.

Local media reported Thursday night that MeToo Brasil, an organization advocating for women who have experienced sexual violence, had received complaints about Almeida. The organization confirmed these reports in a subsequent statement.

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Anielle Franco, the Minister for Racial Equality and one of the alleged victims named by the press, praised Lula’s decision. In a statement on Instagram, Franco expressed support for Lula’s swift action, stating, “Recognizing the seriousness of this practice and acting immediately is the right course of action. I would like to highlight President Lula’s forceful action and thank him for all the expressions of support and solidarity.” She also addressed the attempts to “blame, disqualify, embarrass or pressure victims to speak out in moments of pain and vulnerability,” and requested respect for her privacy. Franco is the sister of the slain councilwoman Marielle Franco.

Lula had earlier announced on social media that the public prosecutors’ office, the comptroller general, and the presidency’s ethics commission would conduct an investigation while ensuring Almeida’s right to a defense.

In his statement on Friday, Almeida requested his dismissal to ensure “freedom and impartiality” for the ongoing investigations, which he urged to be conducted with “the necessary rigor.”

Almeida has rejected the accusations, calling them “lies” and denouncing what he described as a “campaign to tarnish my image as a Black man in a prominent position in government.” He emphasized that false accusations are a crime.

First Lady Rosângela da Silva, known as Janja, a prominent advocate for women’s rights, showed her support for Franco by sharing a photo on Instagram of herself kissing Franco on the forehead.

MeToo Brasil noted on Thursday that victims of sexual violence often face significant challenges in obtaining institutional support, which led to the case being confirmed through the press.

On Friday afternoon, Isabel Rodrigues, a professor and city council candidate from São Paulo state, shared a video on Instagram alleging that Almeida sexually assaulted her in 2019. Rodrigues claimed Almeida touched her inappropriately without consent, stating, “It was horrible what Silvio did. My therapist knows. My friends know. I was Silvio’s victim. I am a voice for these women. For justice and for the truth.”

(Includes inputs from online sources)

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