RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Brazil's federal police have formally accused Silvio Almeida, the former human rights minister under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, of sexual misconduct. This development comes after Almeida was dismissed from his position in September 2022 due to allegations of wrongdoing. A police official revealed this information on Saturday, speaking on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
The case is now in the hands of prosecutors, who will determine whether to press charges against Almeida. If charges are filed, they will be presented to the Supreme Court, which has the authority to either reject them or accept them, potentially leading to a trial. Local media reported that Almeida was officially accused on Friday. Although he has not made a public statement following the accusation, he has previously denied any misconduct.
Silvio Almeida was removed from his role after MeToo Brazil, an organization dedicated to supporting women who have experienced sexual violence, announced that it had received complaints against him. Among the alleged victims is Anielle Franco, the minister for racial equality, who expressed her support for Lula's decision to fire Almeida. Anielle Franco entered politics following the assassination of her sister, Marielle Franco, a Rio de Janeiro councilwoman whose murder in 2018 had widespread consequences and drew international attention.
The accusations against Almeida represent a significant setback for Lula's administration, particularly given Almeida's status as a prominent Black law professor and one of the most ardent advocates against racism within the government, alongside Anielle Franco. Isabel Rodrigues, a professor from São Paulo state, also accused Almeida of sexual assault last year, emphasizing on Instagram that the journey toward justice is still long. "As a victim, I have something to say: don’t let go of the hands of women," she urged, highlighting the importance of solidarity among women.
Violence against women remains a severe issue in Brazil. According to a 2025 report from the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, more than one in three women experienced sexual or gender-based violence over the course of a year. This statistic represents the highest recorded rate since the forum began tracking such data in 2017. Additionally, various forms of violence against women have escalated during this period.
As this case unfolds, it reflects the ongoing challenges within Brazil concerning accountability for sexual misconduct, as well as the broader social issues surrounding gender-based violence in the country.
