Chilean President Gabriel Boric has denied a sexual harassment claim dating back to 2013, calling it baseless. The complaint was filed in September 2023 and alleges unsolicited emails from a woman. Boric’s administration faces additional scrutiny amid a related scandal involving a former minister. Special immunity protects Boric from immediate prosecution as the justice system navigates the impeachment process.
Santiago: Chilean President Gabriel Boric has firmly denied allegations of sexual harassment stemming from an incident reportedly occurring over a decade ago. In a statement issued Monday, attorney Jonatan Valenzuela declared, “The president … rejects and categorically denies the complaint,” referencing claims related to an alleged circumstance from 2013. The criminal complaint was officially lodged on September 6 with the prosecutorial office in Magallanes, Boric’s region of origin. Cristian Crisosto, the head of that office, confirmed the existence of a criminal case associated with the allegation, noting that a specialized team is currently investigating the matter.
Valenzuela elaborated that the complaint was initiated by a woman who, years prior, had sent Boric 25 emails that she had not obtained consent to send, one of which contained explicit images. Valenzuela characterized the current complaint as baseless, stating the woman had pursued a claim “without any basis whatsoever against now-president Gabriel Boric.” At the time of the alleged incident, Boric was 27 years old and newly graduated from law school. Moreover, Valenzuela emphasized that his client had never engaged in any emotional or friendly relationship with her after they last communicated in July 2014.
This allegation arises during a period of turmoil for Boric’s administration, which is also grappling with a significant scandal involving sexual abuse allegations against former crime czar and ex-deputy interior minister Manuel Monsalve, who was recently arrested on charges of raping a subordinate. Due to the nature of his office, Boric enjoys special immunity, necessitating an impeachment trial before any formal investigation can proceed against him under the judicial system.
This article addresses a serious allegation against Chile’s President Gabriel Boric, who has been accused of sexual harassment by a woman regarding an incident that transpired in 2013. The complaint was filed recently, prompting an investigation by the Magallanes prosecutor’s office, where Boric is from. Sexual harassment claims have become a pressing issue in contemporary politics, often reflecting broader societal concerns about abuse and accountability, making Boric’s case particularly significant.
In conclusion, President Gabriel Boric categorically denies allegations of sexual harassment, asserting the complaint is unfounded and originating from unsolicited communication over ten years prior. As investigations unfold, the political ramifications for Boric’s administration, particularly amid concurrent scandal accusations, may become prominent. The process reflects ongoing challenges faced by public figures concerning allegations of misconduct and the legal frameworks that govern them.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
