Chilean President Gabriel Boric has denied sexual harassment allegations from over a decade ago, stating they are unfounded. The complaint was filed by a woman who allegedly sent him unsolicited emails. Boric’s legal team asserts there was no relationship between them, and the allegations coincide with other scandals within his administration. An impeachment trial is necessary for any formal investigation under the law.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric has firmly denied allegations contained in a recent criminal complaint accusing him of sexual harassment from over a decade ago. His attorney, Jonatan Valenzuela, issued a statement on Monday affirming Boric’s categorical rejection of the claim, which pertains to an alleged incident that occurred in 2013. The complaint was submitted to the prosecutor’s office in Magallanes on September 6, with Cristian Crisosto, the head of the office, confirming that an investigation is underway by a specialized team.
Valenzuela stated that the complaint originated from a woman who had reportedly sent Boric 25 unsolicited emails at the time, some of which included explicit images. He emphasized that the complaint lacks a factual basis and pointed out that Boric, who was 27 years old at the time of the alleged incident, did not have any form of relationship with her, noting that they have not communicated since July 2014. This accusation arises amidst a broader concern regarding sexual abuse scandals within Boric’s administration, including the recent arrest of a former deputy interior minister.
As the President, Boric is shielded by special immunity and any formal investigation must first go through an impeachment trial led by the justice department, particularly as he is ineligible for reelection following the conclusion of his term in 2026.
The current allegations against President Gabriel Boric come at a time when his administration faces heightened scrutiny over matters of sexual misconduct, particularly following a separate scandal involving former high-ranking officials. The legal framework governing the investigation of a sitting president involves specific provisions that protect against immediate legal action, requiring instead an impeachment procedure to initiate any inquiries. As a central figure in Chilean politics, Boric’s response and the outcomes of these allegations may significantly impact public perception and the political landscape going forward.
In summary, President Gabriel Boric has publicly denied a criminal complaint of sexual harassment, asserting that the allegations are baseless. His legal team has provided context about the nature of the complaint while emphasizing that Boric has not engaged with the accuser since 2014. The situation unfolds within a larger context of ongoing investigations into sexual abuse, highlighting vulnerabilities within his administration and the intricate legal protections surrounding a sitting president.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
