Former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Accused of Sexual Assault, According to Report by Reuters

A doctor has filed a criminal complaint of sexual assault against Oscar Arias, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and former president of Costa Rica, according to a report. Arias has firmly denied the allegations.

The complaint states that the incident occurred at Arias’s home in San Jose, Costa Rica, in 2014. The identity of the accuser has been reported in the media, but attempts to reach her for comment have been unsuccessful.

In a statement through his lawyer, Arias, 78, rejected the accusations, asserting, “I have never disrespected the wishes of any woman.” Arias served as president of Costa Rica two non-consecutive terms, first from 1986 to 1990 and then from 2006 to 2010. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987.

The Public Ministry confirmed that a complaint was filed on Monday, but did not disclose additional details. Reports indicated that the accuser provided a copy of the complaint to the media, which was filed with federal prosecutors.

The accuser is known as an anti-nuclear activist and reportedly had meetings with Arias, who supported her cause. She stated that the #MeToo movement inspired her to come forward, intending to protect other young women.

The complaint alleges that Arias touched her inappropriately, claiming he touched her breasts and placed his hand under her clothing. The woman is not seeking any monetary damages related to the complaint.