Nathaniel Araújo
Minister has already ordered an investigation into the complaint. There are messages and witnesses that show persecution and coercion of the alleged victim. Nataniel Araújo, husband of a PSD deputy, remains in office.
The chief of staff of the Minister of Agriculture, Nathaniel Araújoaged 43, is being accused of sexual harassment by a former advisor, aged 29, who worked under his supervision, according to .
According to the newspaper, the victim has messages in her possession that suggest that the chief of staff coerced her, taking advantage of her position of power within the Government. Witnesses also claim that the suspect chased her and stayed for several hours at the door of her residence and watching her from her place of work, writes the morning newspaper.
The harassment began shortly after the Democratic Alliance (AD) Executive took office in June, following a government reorganization that elevated Nataniel Araújo, previously deputy at the Ministry of the Environment, to head of the cabinet at the Ministry of Agriculture and the Sea (MAM).
The pressure and harassment reportedly led the victim to leave her position approximately three months after being appointed.
Although the dismissal appears in the Official Gazette as having been made at her own request, sources close to the CM guarantee that the departure was motivated by harassment.
Meanwhile, Nataniel Araújo, companion of deputy Carla Barros, also from PSD, continues in office and tells the party to provide the information requested.
“I don’t know the subject of this investigation, I will attend and provide all the information requested. That’s all I have to say, hoping that everything will be clarified at the appropriate headquarters”, the chief of staff wrote in an email.
The Ministry of Agriculture and the Sea confirmed to the CM that “given the information at its disposal, it has fulfilled all its legal obligations, having even asked IGAMAOT to open an investigation process”.
The case is being investigated by IGAMAOT, a body with criminal police powers that usually operates in other areas. The victim has already appointed a defense lawyer.
