Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday fired Human Rights Minister Silvio Almeida following allegations that he sexually harassed a number of girls, together with one other cupboard minister.
“The president considers it untenable to maintain the minister in workplace given the character of the sexual harassment allegations,” Lula’s workplace stated in an announcement.
A police investigation has been opened, he added.
Almeida, a authorized activist defending minority rights, stated in an announcement that he was harmless after dropping his publish and added that he had requested President Lula to fireside him to offer “freedom” to the investigations.
“It will likely be a chance for me to show my innocence and rebuild myself… To have the information offered in order that I can defend myself throughout the authorized course of,” he stated.
Almeida had known as the accusations baseless and “absurd lies” in a video beforehand shared on his social media, earlier than being fired.
One of many girls who was allegedly harassed is the Minister for Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, native media reported.
Franco, additionally a human rights activist, shared an announcement on Friday thanking those that confirmed their assist amid the information.
“I ask you to respect my house and my proper to privateness,” she stated on the social media platform Instagram. “I’ll contribute to the investigations once they name me.”
Her sister, former Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco, was murdered in 2018 alongside along with her driver in a case that was reported internationally.
“Those that harass don’t stay in authorities,” Lula stated earlier in an interview with a neighborhood radio station.
Each Franco and Almeida have been within the cupboard for the reason that begin of Lula’s present time period in 2023 and are seen in Brazil as vital human rights activists.
