Brazil’s Presidential Ethics Committee is set to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against Human Rights Minister Silvio Almeida, with Federal Police Chief Andrei Rodrigues also announcing plans to launch an inquiry into the matter.
Me Too Brazil, an organization dedicated to aiding victims of sexual violence, reported that women have reached out to them with claims of harassment involving Almeida. A news outlet, Metrópoles, has interviewed 14 individuals knowledgeable about the case.
Anielle Franco, Brazil’s racial equality minister, is the only alleged victim whose name has been disclosed. She has not made any public statements confirming or denying the allegations.
The presidential office has acknowledged the gravity of the claims, stating, “The federal government recognizes the seriousness of the allegations. The case is being handled with the rigor and speed that situations involving possible violence against women require.”
On Friday, First Lady Rosángela da Silva shared a photo with Franco on Instagram, which many interpreted as a sign that Almeida’s position may be in jeopardy. This notion was further reinforced by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who remarked that someone accused of sexual misconduct cannot remain in office.
Almeida is expected to meet with Lula today to discuss his future in the government.
The Women’s Rights Ministry has publicly supported the investigations into Almeida.
In response, Almeida “vehemently repudiated” the accusations, asserting in a statement, “There is once again a group trying to erase and diminish our existence, attributing to me the conduct they carry. With that, Brazil, the human rights agenda, racial equality, and the Brazilian people lose.”
He stated his intention to pursue legal action against Me Too Brazil for clarification regarding the claims. “All accusations must be investigated rigorously, but for that to happen, the facts must be exposed. And they must not be based on lies, without evidence.”
Almeida’s ministry operates with one of the smallest budgets in the government. Earlier this year, he faced criticism for not investing in his priority areas, including the protection of marginalized youth and the promotion of LGBTQ rights.
However, his department recently achieved a notable milestone by re-establishing a commission to address political disappearances.