Chilean President Gabriel Boric has denied allegations of sexual harassment from over a decade ago. Attorney Jonatan Valenzuela confirmed that Boric categorically rejects the complaint, which was filed on September 6. The accusations stem from unsolicited communications the alleged victim sent to Boric in 2013. Boric must face an impeachment trial for any potential investigation due to his current immunity as president.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric has been accused of sexual harassment in a criminal complaint, which he has vehemently rejected as unfounded. Attorney Jonatan Valenzuela asserted, “The president … rejects and categorically denies the complaint,” referring to an incident alleged to have occurred in 2013. The complaint was lodged on September 6 with the Magallanes prosecutor’s office. The prosecutorial body confirmed that a special investigative team is examining the case.
Valenzuela described the complaint as lacking merit, claiming that the accuser, who sent Boric 25 unsolicited emails, filed her complaint more than ten years later without any basis. He emphasized that the president had no emotional or personal relationship with her, noting that they have not been in contact since 2014. During the time of the alleged incident, President Boric was recently graduated from law school and was only 27 years old.
This allegation surfaces amid separate controversies surrounding Boric’s administration, including a recent sexual abuse scandal involving former government officials. As Boric is barred from seeking reelection upon the completion of his presidential term in 2026, he possesses special immunity from prosecution, which necessitates an impeachment trial for any formal investigation to be initiated.
The accusation of sexual harassment against President Gabriel Boric has emerged from a complaint filed over ten years after the alleged incident occurred. The case highlights the legal framework surrounding such allegations in Chile, where accusations against sitting presidents are subject to unique legal protections that necessitate formal processes before any legal action can begin. This incident also coincides with broader concerns about sexual misconduct within the Chilean government, further complicating the political landscape for Boric’s administration.
In conclusion, President Gabriel Boric has categorically denied allegations of sexual harassment that date back over a decade. The accusation has reignited discussions regarding legal protections for public figures and the ongoing issues surrounding sexual misconduct in politics. Boric’s administration now faces the dual challenge of addressing this allegation while managing a growing scandal involving other government officials.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com