São Paulo, Brazil – Human Rights Minister Silvio Almeida was fired on Friday following accusations of moral and sexual harassment by at least four ministry employees. Racial Equality Minister Anielle Franco is alleged to have been one of Almeida’s victims.
The case came to light on Thursday after the “Me Too Brazil” movement published the complaints made by the ministry’s employees. Later, the local press said that Minister Franco had also been the victim of sexual harassment by her government colleague. She allegedly reported the case domestically in June, but no action was taken until Me Too Brazil went public.
The news was a bombshell for the federal government, especially given Almeida’s history of championing human rights. A black lawyer, philosopher and professor, Almeida was widely respected among social movements and the left, is considered one of the country’s leading experts on racial issues, and was even considered for the Supreme Court last year.
In the wake of the allegations, the federal government was forced to act, and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva fired Almeida less than 24 hours later. Lula met with Almeida on Friday afternoon and confirmed his resignation. “The president considers it unsustainable for the minister to remain in office given the nature of the accusations of sexual harassment,” said a statement issued by the government.
Before the meeting with Almeida, Lula had already said in an interview that anyone who is accused of sexual harassment cannot stay in the government. “Someone who commits harassment will not stay in the government. But we must allow the right of defense, the presumption of innocence; he has the right to defend himself”, said the president.
Throughout Friday, Minister Franco also spoke to many members of the government and, according to the local press, confirmed that she had been sexually harassed by Almeida during an official meeting in May 2023. On that occasion, Almeida allegedly touched Anielle’s leg under the table.
So far, she has not publicly commented on the case, neither to confirm nor to deny the information related to her name. However, she received public support from other women in government, such as the Minister of Women, Cida Gonçalves, and First Lady Janja da Silva. Both posted photos with Franco on social networks expressing solidarity.
INVESTIGATIONS
The Presidential Ethics Commission, responsible for overseeing the conduct of senior government officials, has opened proceedings to investigate the case and has given Almeida 10 days to present his defense.
The Federal Police has launched an investigation to clarify the case in the criminal sphere. Almeida is expected to be called to give clarifications in the coming days. He denies the allegations and issued a statement implying that he is being persecuted by people who “notice his position”.
“I strongly deny the lies that are thrown against me. I reject such accusations with the strength of the love and respect I have for my beloved wife and one-year-old daughter, amid the daily struggle I fight for human rights and citizenship in this country,” said Almeida.
