Brazil’s Lula fires human rights minister accused of sexual misconduct

Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has fired Human Rights Minister Silvio Almeida following reports he was involved in sexual misconduct. In a statement released early Friday evening, the presidential palace said Lula considers the keeping the minister in his position to be unsustainable considering the nature of the accusations. Almeida said in a prior statement that he repudiates the lies aimed at tarnishing his image, and expressed willingness to cooperate with investigations.