Chilean President Gabriel Boric is under investigation following allegations of sexual harassment, as confirmed by Attorney General Cristian Crisosto. The accusations were filed in September with the prosecutor’s office in Magallanes, the southern region where Boric formerly served as a lawmaker.

Details of the Allegation

• The complaint reportedly stems from a woman who accuses Boric of harassment and leaking private images during interactions from 2013 to 2014.
• Boric’s attorney, Jonatan Valenzuela, has categorically denied the claims, describing Boric as the victim of systematic harassment via unsolicited sexually explicit emails during the same period.
• Valenzuela emphasized that Boric had no personal relationship with the accuser and has submitted communication records to authorities to demonstrate Boric’s victim status.

Legal and Political Implications

• President Boric enjoys presidential immunity, meaning he cannot be prosecuted unless impeached.
• A special investigative team has been assigned to look into the case, as confirmed by Crisosto.

Context

This development adds pressure to Boric’s administration, already facing criticism over governance challenges and a separate controversy involving his former Undersecretary of the Interior, Manuel Monsalve, who is accused of raping a subordinate.

Public and Political Reaction

The allegations come at a time when Boric’s presidency is under scrutiny. Elected in March 2022 on a progressive platform after widespread protests against neoliberal policies, Boric has faced obstacles in advancing reforms.

The investigations into these allegations and the political ramifications could further test Boric’s leadership and public perception amid a challenging term.