Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva fired Human Rights Minister Silvio Almeida, who was accused of sexual harassment, the Associated Press reported, citing BTA, citing the presidency.
The president believes that the minister cannot remain in office given the nature of the charges, according to a statement from the presidential palace.
Yesterday, Brazilian police announced they were opening an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Human Rights Minister Silvio Almeida.
The scandal broke on Thursday when the website "Metropolis" revealed that the association "Me too Brazil" (MeToo Brasil) has received complaints against the minister from several women, including another member of the government - Minister of Racial Equality Aniel Franco.
Lula previously said on social media that the prosecutor's office, the comptroller general and the presidential commission on ethics would conduct an investigation, while guaranteeing Almeida's right to a defense.
Silvio Almeida categorically rejects the accusations and called them “lies” and part of a campaign aimed at affecting his "image as a black man in a position of government”.