Brazil's Federal Police has indicted former Human Rights Minister Silvio Almeida for sexual harassment, with the case now headed to the Attorney General's Office. One alleged victim is Equality Minister Anielle Franco, who confirmed the claims in a deposition. Almeida denies the accusations and was dismissed in September 2024 following the revelations.
Brazil's Federal Police (PF) indicted Silvio Almeida, former Human Rights Minister under President Lula, for sexual harassment on November 14, 2024. The indictment was confirmed by the PF to Metrópoles and first reported by TV Globo, with Folha also verifying the information. The document was sent to the Supreme Federal Court (STF), under the rapporteurship of Minister André Mendonça, who forwarded it to the Attorney General's Office (PGR). Attorney General Paulo Gonet will decide whether to archive the case or file charges.
The sexual and moral harassment allegations against Almeida emerged in September 2024, revealed by Metrópoles. They were forwarded to the Me Too organization. One victim is Equality Minister Anielle Franco, sister of former councilor Marielle Franco. In a PF deposition, Anielle confirmed the incidents, stating they began in 2022 during the presidential transition. Following this, other women came forward with similar accusations of harassment or sexual harassment.
The case led to Almeida's dismissal on September 6, 2024, one day after the allegations became public. President Lula deemed it 'unsustainable' to keep the minister in office given the nature of the accusations. Prior to the decision, Lula met separately with Almeida and Anielle. The Human Rights portfolio is now led by Macaé Evaristo.
Concurrently, an investigation is underway at the Public Ethics Commission (CEP) of the Presidency, under seal, formalized at the 27th Extraordinary Meeting on September 6, 2024. Almeida denies the allegations and, in a February 2025 UOL interview, said Anielle Franco 'lost herself in the character' and fell into a political trap. Anielle countered that Almeida used public space to discredit the complaints and intimidate victims, calling the retaliations 'repulsive.' One month after the case, Anielle dismissed Yuri Silva, a secretary linked to Almeida. Almeida's defense has not commented yet.