Chilean president faces harassment probe

Chilean President Gabriel Boric faces sexual harassment investigation, marking a significant development in the country's political landscape. The regional prosecutor's office of Magallanes confirmed the criminal case, regarding alleged incidents from over a decade ago in Punta Arenas.

The 38-year-old president strongly denies the allegations through his attorney, Jonatan Valenzuela, who claims Boric is actually "the victim of systematic harassment." According to the legal team, the complainant allegedly sent numerous unsolicited emails, including explicit images, to Boric between July 2013 and July 2014, when he was a law intern and emerging political figure.

Regional prosecutor Cristian Crisosto announced that the case is being formalized, with various procedures pending, and the alleged victim has been offered assistance throughout the process. The complaint, filed in September, includes allegations of sexual harassment and the leaking of private images.

The investigation adds to the challenges facing Boric's leftist administration, which has championed women's rights but currently struggles with declining popularity and disappointing results in recent regional elections. The alleged events took place when Boric was 27 and completing his law degree in Punta Arenas.

Boric's legal team has provided authorities with all communications between the president and the complainant to support their position that he was the target of harassment. They maintain that Boric never maintained an emotional or friendly relationship with the woman, and all contact ceased in July 2014.

The case has drawn significant attention as it involves the youngest president in Chile's history and a leader who has positioned himself as an advocate for women's rights. As the investigation proceeds, it adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape of the South American nation.