Silvio Almeida claims in a note that he asked Lula to fire him

On Friday (6), Silvio Almeida, former Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship, published a note in which he claims to have asked President Lula (PT) to fire him after allegations of sexual harassment came to light. According to Silvio, his departure would be to ensure impartiality in the investigations. The “Metrópoles” portal published that the former minister was denounced for episodes of harassment that occurred in 2022, including accusations made by Minister Anielle Franco. Silvio Almeida denies the allegations and calls for rigor in the investigation.

Complaints and dismissal of Silvio Almeida

As reported by the news website 'Metropolises'in a report by journalist Guilherme Amado last Thursday (05), the NGO 'Me Too' received several complaints about alleged episodes of sexual harassment that were allegedly committed last year by the former MDHC minister. According to these complaints, among the women harassed by Silvio Almeida is the Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco. The NGO Me Too, in a statement, confirmed the accusations against the former minister. President Lula officially dismissed Silvio Almeida this Friday (06).

_{Note from former minister Sílvio Almeida (Reproduction/Instagram/@silviolual)}

Silvio Almeida denies accusations

In his exit note, Silvio Almeida said: “This Friday (6), in conversation with President Lula, I asked him to dismiss me in order to grant freedom and impartiality to the investigations, which must be carried out with the necessary rigor and that can support and welcome each and every victim of violence. It will be an opportunity for me to prove my innocence and rebuild myself.”said the former minister.

Almeida reaffirmed his innocence and emphasized that he sees the process as an opportunity to defend himself. The note also gave his view on his time as head of the ministry, which he classified as significant advances, but warned that the achievements may be at risk. He reiterated his commitment to the investigations and that he remains the most interested party in their conclusion.

_{Note from Minister Anielle Franco (Reproduction/Instagram/aniellefranco)}

Anielle Franco talks about victim blaming

After Silvio Almeida's departure, Minister Anielle Franco also spoke out on her social media. Even without directly mentioning the former minister, she criticized the attempts to discredit the victims involved in the allegations: “Attempts to blame, disqualify, embarrass or pressure victims to speak out in moments of pain and vulnerability are also unacceptable, as they only fuel the cycle of violence”said the MIR minister. Anielle also highlighted “President Lula's forceful action” and thanked everyone for their support and solidarity. In the note, she also asked that her right to privacy be respected and stated that she will continue to contribute to the investigation whenever called upon.

President Lula has not yet announced who will take over the Human Rights and Citizenship portfolio. On an interim basis, the Minister of Management and Innovation in Public Services, Esther Dweck, will take over the functions. According to Lauro Jardim's column, 'The Globe'Felipe Freitas, who was head of the Secretariat of Justice and Human Rights of the Government of Bahia and has his name closely linked to PT members Rui Costa and Jaques Wagner, is one of the main candidates to take over the position.

Featured Photo: Former Minister Silvio Almeida speaks in the Senate (Reproduction/Instagram/@silviolual)