Chilean President Gabriel Boric Denies Decade-Old Sexual Harassment Claims

Chilean President Gabriel Boric denies allegations of sexual harassment dating back over a decade, asserting the claim is baseless. His attorney stated the complaint, filed on September 6, pertains to unsolicited communications from the complainant. This case arises as the administration faces other allegations involving high-ranking officials.

In a recent development, Chilean President Gabriel Boric has faced accusations of sexual harassment stemming from an incident reported to have occurred over a decade ago. His attorney, Jonatan Valenzuela, stated that the president “rejects and categorically denies the complaint,” which relates to events alleged to have taken place in 2013. The formal complaint was filed on September 6 at the Magallanes prosecutor’s office, located in southern Chile, where Boric hails from.

Prosecutor Cristian Crisosto confirmed that a criminal case is being pursued concerning the allegations. According to Valenzuela, the complaint was from a woman who had previously sent Boric a total of 25 unsolicited emails, some of which contained explicit materials. Valenzuela emphasized that the complaint lacks credible basis, noting that Boric, aged 27 at the time, had no personal relationship with the alleged victim and that they had ceased communication since July 2014.

This allegation surfaces as Boric’s administration grapples with another scandal involving former deputy interior minister Manuel Monsalve, who has been arrested on charges of rape. Boric, currently serving as president until 2026 and ineligible for reelection, enjoys special immunity under the law and will need to undergo an impeachment process to face formal investigation regarding these allegations.

The allegations against President Gabriel Boric come during a politically challenging period for his administration. Boric, who has only recently assumed office, now faces scrutiny not only due to this sexual harassment claim but also because of a separate scandal involving high-ranking officials in his government. This situation highlights the complexities of political accountability and the implications of sexual misconduct allegations in public office, especially in the context of Boric’s leadership and legislative immunity.

In summary, President Gabriel Boric has firmly denied allegations of sexual harassment from over ten years ago, asserting that the claim has no merit. The investigation is ongoing, conducted by the Magallanes prosecutor’s office amid his administration’s broader issues related to sexual abuse scandals. The outcomes of these investigations could have significant ramifications for Boric’s presidency and the broader political landscape in Chile.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com