The Ministry of Agriculture and the Sea has launched an internal investigation following allegations of sexual harassment by a younger female employee against Nataniel Araújo, the chief of staff to the minister.
“Based on the available information, the Office of the Minister of Agriculture and the Sea has fulfilled all its legal obligations,” the note stated, adding that the ministry has requested the IGAMAOT [Inspectorate-General for Agriculture, Sea, Environment, and Spatial Planning] to open an investigation, according to a statement sent to Notícias ao Minuto this Saturday.
The ministry assures that “it will act in accordance with the conclusions of the aforesaid investigation.”
The news was reported this Saturday by Correio da Manhã, which reveals that aside from the subordinate who accuses Nataniel Araújo having in her possession incriminating messages, there are also witnesses who can attest that the chief of staff, aged 43, stalked and monitored the woman, even spending several hours at the door of her residence.
In a statement to Expresso, Nataniel Araújo acknowledged “being aware of the opening of an inquiry by IGAMAOT,” but not knowing what is being investigated. “I do not know the subject of this inquiry, but I will appear and provide all the information requested of me. That is all I have to say, hoping everything will be clarified in due course,” he told the weekly newspaper. The chief of staff to Minister José Manuel Fernandes remains in his position, not commenting on whether he will suspend his duties.
The employee, who is no longer working at the ministry, reportedly began experiencing harassment shortly after assuming her role, following a reorganization of the team after the appointment of Luís Montenegro’s Executive.
The situation persisted for about three months.
[Updated at 23:58]
