“I just wanted that to stop happening”, says Anielle after confirming the complaint against Silvio Almeida

The Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, spoke for the first time about the , Silvio Almeida.

In an interview with Veja magazine, published this Friday (4), the minister confirms that she was a victim, cites fear of trials and states that the harassment began with “inconvenient attitudes” even during the government transition, in 2022.

“We didn’t have any professional relationship until the government transition, in December 2022. That’s when the uncomfortable attitudes began, which increased over the months until it reached sexual harassment,” he stated.

Anielle reports having been a victim of sexual harassment. In Brazilian legislation, the crime ranges from verbal harassment to non-consensual touching.

Asked about the fact that she had not reported it sooner, Anielle says she was “paralyzed” and tried to “focus on the mission, the purpose and all the responsibility” of the minister’s position.

“We were afraid of discredit, of judgment, as if what happened was our fault,” he said.

“For a while, I wanted to believe that I was mistaken, that it wasn’t real, until I understood and realized what was happening. I didn’t sleep for several nights,” he said.

“No one feels comfortable remaining silent in a situation like this. But I didn’t want my life exposed and crossed once again by violence. I just wanted it to stop happening,” he said.

Anielle reported feeling even more vulnerable when the allegations came to light.

“I know that we live in this internet world, where everything is very fast and everyone wants to know everything, but no victim, of any type of violence, has the obligation to expose themselves, to speak when people want them to speak. ”, he stated.

The minister cited a prevention and confrontation program, in addition to a working group, to combat harassment in public administration when asked about the federal government’s responses.

Anielle also spoke about her relationship with First Lady Rosângela da Silva. On the day the case became public, even before an official government statement, .

“Janja is a great fighting partner and, since I arrived in government, she has become a friend and partner. The post symbolizes more than solidarity. It is a manifestation of support and commitment to the agenda of protecting women, zero tolerance to violence and oppression”, he stated.

Investigation at the PF

The minister in the investigation investigating alleged harassment committed by the former Minister of Human Rights. Anielle gave details of the complaint and reinforced what she had already said to fellow government ministers, citing dates and occasions.

The PF must still hear other alleged victims of the case and a representative of the organization MeToo Brasil. The interrogation of former minister Silvio Almeida does not yet have a date.

As shown by the CNNauthorization for (STF) came from minister André Mendonça. The judge understood that the case should be under the supervision of the Supreme Court – following a request from the PF and with the approval of the Attorney General’s Office (PGR). The case is being processed under secrecy in the Court.

Silvio Almeida was fired on September 6, one day after the NGO Me Too Brasil. The former minister denies the accusations and claims to be the target of persecution.