Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has dismissed Silvio Almeida, the country’s human rights minister, following accusations of sexual harassment involving at least two women, including Racial Equality Minister Anielle Franco. Almeida, a prominent figure in Brazil’s fight against racism, has denied the allegations, but the scandal has cast a shadow over Lula’s administration and deeply troubled the Black rights movement.
In a statement issued on Friday evening, Lula announced his decision to remove Almeida from his position after a discussion with the minister. The president cited the severity of the allegations, stating that Almeida’s continued role in the government had become “untenable” due to the nature of the sexual harassment claims. Lula reiterated the government’s commitment to human rights, emphasizing that “no form of violence against women will be tolerated.” The federal police are reportedly investigating the case.
Anielle Franco, who became a political figure after the 2018 assassination of her sister, Marielle Franco, responded to the situation shortly after Lula’s announcement. In a social media post, Franco thanked the president for his decisive action and emphasized the importance of not minimizing or dismissing incidents of violence. She criticized attempts to discredit or pressure victims, stating that such actions perpetuate the cycle of violence.
The scandal first came to light on Thursday when the Brazilian news outlet Metrópoles reported that Almeida had been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women through Me Too Brasil, an organization supporting victims of sexual violence. The report claimed that one of the victims was Anielle Franco and detailed allegations including inappropriate touching and the use of vulgar language. Despite these accusations reportedly being known by other ministers and the first lady, Rosângela da Silva (Janja), no immediate action was taken, leading to public criticism.
Janja posted a photo on social media showing her kissing Franco on the forehead, a gesture widely interpreted as support for the minister. Meanwhile, the Minister for Women, Aparecida Gonçalves, expressed her solidarity with Franco in a public post. Me Too Brasil confirmed receiving the complaints against Almeida but did not disclose details, citing challenges the victims faced in securing institutional backing for their claims.
Almeida, a well-known academic and author who brought attention to “structural racism” in Brazil, entered politics less than two years ago when Lula appointed him as human rights minister. Despite his swift rise and praise from the left for his progressive stance, Almeida’s tenure ended abruptly amid the harassment scandal. In a video posted online, Almeida denied the allegations, claiming he was the target of a smear campaign aimed at discrediting him as a Black man and human rights advocate.
The allegations have shocked Brazil‘s Black rights community, with several organizations expressing dismay and calling for a thorough investigation. The Black Coalition for Rights, representing around 300 organizations, issued a statement supporting Anielle Franco and other victims, demanding accountability for those responsible and for those who failed to act on the allegations.
Supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro have seized on the scandal, using it to criticize the Lula administration and mock the alleged harassment. Far-right congressman Nikolas Ferreira, whose social media account is now banned in Brazil, joked about the situation, suggesting that Lula’s “government of love” was “loving a bit too much.”
