"The sexual assault allegation could deliver a serious blow to his legacy."
Only in this #MeToo moment.
Did the NYT vet this "allegation"?
Will the NYT explain the presumption of innocence to Sanchez?
You know, that inconvenient Constitutional impediment to immediate lynching? The one which requires proof of guilt, while the accused need not prove anything but is presumed innocent?
Maybe we can dispense with these Constitutional barriers along with the electoral college, after 2020.
But it is good that the NYT now prominently displays accusations of sexual assault on the front page, without regard to due process.
For the first thing, it gives younger readers a better feeling for living in France during the Terrors under Robespierre;
And two, perhaps the Times, as the arbiter for all things "progressive," will now assemble ALL of the unadorned accusations of the Democratic Party's recent tilt toward its inclusion of rank anti-Semitism, in one coherent piece,
On the Front Page.
2
I don't know either of these people. However, I would think that the NYTimes would have learned by now that just because they like the narrative, accusations need to be verified. Even if it's a woman claiming assault by a man, of any stature.
1
Predators protect predators.
They have to. Its self preservation.
It's keeping the prey vulnerable.
Predators protect predators at all costs.
3
Her words sound true.
Such words often need time. (Yes. Years. Sometimes decades.) And due the time her described “incident” grains more even more credibility.
It is a pity that respectable persons (he got the Nobel Prize) make such. If one now have a “case” against such a former honorable person it is even more difficult (looking so impossible. And takes even more time).
Wishing her the best she can get, much trust from the people around her and hope she can cure from the mental harms he is responsible for.
5
Arias is as innocent as Kavanaugh is!
Which is to say, guilty of sexual assault. And, perjury.
Just give it time and there will be other incidents unearthed; other victims of assault found.
Let's hope that there will be a thorough investigation unlike what happened with Kavanaugh.
4
“I never acted in a way that disrespected the WILL of a woman,” whatever it’s veracity, overlooks a very simple issue: did you ask?
Nicely? Respectfully? Did you hear and listen to the response?
Did you behave accordingly? And if you didn’t, for whatever the reason(s) did you apologize for your behavior, whether or not you feel it was inappropriate? And not with the faux-“ ( Please) accept my apology” which leaves the power with you, but rather saying, in some way:”I ask you, entreat you, beg you, etc., to forgive me for my unacceptable behavior;” which leaves the power to do so, or NOT, with the “victim!
It would have been helpful if the author briefly reminded us readers that a person’s range of past and present roles- their created Identity +additional identities which others label them with, do not immunize that person from carrying out a range of unacceptable behaviors.Rarely as well as often. Consider: how many of each of US, having created a + self Identity/image, reinforced by identities attributed by others to us, are complacent about the many current harmful events/ harmful people all around us? Or are even even complicit in enabling current violating of selected, targeted people, values, norms, in our daily existence? Perhaps choosing to BE wilfully blind, deaf and ignorant of their implications and unintended outcomes? Choosing not to “ fail better” and learn and change the next time!
3
“It’s the right thing to do,” she said, “even if it destroys me.”
The dilemma of whistle-blowers everywhere and the reason so many women wait so long to come forward (if they ever do).
9
Brave is the woman who refuses the indignity of being placed in a position of submission. What does it say of people who believe their privilege extends over the bodies of others? I'm not sure how people who do this look themselves in the mirror but I'm glad that more and more people are talking about this and airing their stories. My hat off to them.
Although, we should not rush to judgement we should make it part of our collective culture to place the onus of explanation on the perpetrator. If we did this the aftermath of such incidents would revolve more around the perpetrator asking how he or she would explain herself than leaving it to the victim to have their story believed. Furthermore, in doing so we remove from the alleged perpetrator the arsenal of tarring the victims reputation, which all too often is the preferred contrivance of defense.
7
The most infuriating aspect of the #meToo era is stories like this. Here's an overall good-ish man, accused of sexual misconduct. Someone who has benefitted millions of people, accused of sexually assaulting one woman. Let's call him Mr. Goodthings, and let him be an abstract representation of powerful men for this thought exercise.
Mr. Goodthings can do so many good deeds, earning a Nobel--and this good, noble man assaults a woman. Like a guilty pleasure. The unhealthy indulgence that helps him resist all the other temptations. How can we discount the goodness of Mr. Goodthings, when you tally up the net positive against one negative?
I do not understand how someone can do so much good and still be a predator. It hurts that sexual violence is somehow separate from a person's overall character. Forget justice and law--make it personal, about one person and his conduct toward another. That is truly dehumanizing, to be the victim of assault from a Good Person, who is internationally recognized for Doing Good Things.
It's a terrifying thing, to think that goodness can be so compartmentalized, and so cleanly separated from one particular kind of violence. So many women, ignored because of the great deeds of these men. As if they are sacrifices to The Greater Good.
When do women get to be part of the Greater Good? When do we finally matter enough, that we are no longer an "oh shucks, one more won't hurt" guilty indulgence?
11
@AJ
Good people do bad things; bad people do good things. Unfortunately, for powerful people—men AND women, good and bad—sexual assault does not rise to the level of “thing.” They want, they take, as part of privilege. Men are often surprised when women object to boorish behavior. It is the right of power, after all; it’s part of the privilege.
5
@JSBNoWI It time to destroy this manufacture kind of privileged behavior.
1
It's just so sad to see how men who have done great things in some fields, have also done terrible things to women.
I started reading this hoping I would soon see that the accusations were perhaps dubious, or perhaps a misunderstanding - but this lady's story seems totally credible, very strongly corroborated and, unfortunately, even the most ardent anti-feminist on the planet could not say it was anything other than violent sexual assault.
That said, I will hope that Mr. Arias can explain his actions in a way that makes them not quite so bad or otherwise prove that he was not guilty ...
2
I am confused by the statement that the accuser spoke with "federal prosecutors"-- Costa Rica is a unitary state, with a national government; its provinces are administrative units, not sovereign states. Have the charges been brought in the United States?
3
Arias has been a fraud from day one. Posing as a mediator and honest broker in a historically fragmented region but thumb on the scale for regional elites. The exodus to US from Central America is on his shoulders as much as anyone. The latest sexual charges against him, no surprise. He deserves a Nobel Peace Prize as much as Obama. Not at all.
6
Arafat received the Nobel peace prize. It's a joke.
6
If he’s accused he must be guilty.
Welcome to Orwell-land.
13
I didn’t read anywhere that he has been declared ‘guilty’.
4
Can we accept NYT readers are among the 50% most educated citizens of this country?
90% of these educated readers already made a judgment without knowing any facts.
Sad state of affairs...
11
I can’t even remember what real news is anymore. It’s lucky Walter is dead and doesn’t have to witness this.
4
She mentioned to her father,boyfriend, brother and 12 more people. Nobody did or said anything. Please help me.
10
Human beings are cowards! They won't go up against a powerful man, especially in a patriarchal society.
5
You have some truth in your statement. However, it is generally practiced that the individuals with whom once confides abide by the wishes to keep it quiet. That is cowardly in the sense that the perpetrator may continue to do things against others. OTOH, if , as you point out , the person is powerful - cowardly is a strong term because it could mean injury to the accuser. Declaring a crime can be a double edge sword.
1
The dark heart of human contradiction abounds. Prominent progressive peaceniks, women's rights and human rights activists can at times turn out to be assaulters and abusers. Just as the most stridently conservative Congressmen who profess unyielding anti-gay sentiments sometimes turn out themselves to be gay, just as some who are most virulently anti-abortion end up at times having affairs and getting someone pregnant, and then trying to convince their clandestine partner to terminate the pregnancy. What we must all aim to fathom is how to confront our darkest contradictions and deal with them in ways that not only help ourselves gain transcendent understanding, but that in turn enable society itself (an amalgam of individual selves) to confront its own worst contradictions and impulses.
5
This happened in 2014, I assume those folks she told about it still remember, but why did she wait 4-5 years to bring it up?
The answer is "“The cause was more important than anything else,Dr. Arce said she had hesitated to come forward also out of fear of alienating Mr. Arias, an important contact in the disarmament crusade.” she said." So she was so traumatized by this but she would work with him and not raise the issue until she was what, finished with him?
If he did this he must go. No, ifs, ands, ors and more nonsense. I have no reason to doubt her either just the timing of it all.
2
Sexual assault is a deeply personal violation, and when you accuse, you must give humiliating details and then expect you might get raked over the coals with other aspects of your personal life trotted out, maybe even distorted to make you look bad. Reporting is not a decision that is taken lightly by the person who was attacked for these reasons and more.
16
@Talon I understand that but she told what, at least 15 people at the time and continued to work, I think, so she had some practice.
What Arias did was a crude sexual assault for sure.
If we demand that our leaders and such be blemish free we will have none. I am not calling what Arias did a blemish, but I'm just sayin'. Even accusations has tarnished careers.
Nope. Re-read the article. She didn’t tell them the gory details. And they supported her rather than assassinate her character. Quite different.
4
Please do not rush to judgement- he may or may not have done it. People in power have many enemies. We do not live in a barbaric world- any allegation must come with evidence. We must be objective- it is very easy to throw someone in the dirt. Let our good sense prevail. He should face the consequences only after the evidence is established.
6
This is an act of heroism as great if not greater than any other. Hear her words. I have to do this to protect other activists, even if it destroys me. That is exactly what is at stake. Her total annihilation as a member of her society.
Women, we have to keep going. Stand on the shoulders of the brave. Even if you are afraid. We are getting stronger in our numbers.
Brava!
12
I share some comments below that thus woman is a lot more believable than other cases.
Simply because, she obviously has corroborating witnesses.
I am puzzled by the first paragraph reference to prosecutors. The story dispatch says Costa Rica.
It says she met for 3 hours with "federal" prosecutors and she shared copies of her allegations with NYT. To me, this reference is typically to ours in America.
Why is she talking to our federal prosecutors when Crim
E happened overseas and involved two foreigners.
1
Nope. She lives in Costa Rica, and that’s where the crime occurred. She can both talk to CR prosecutors and share with NYT-nothing puzzling there.
2
@Neil
corroborating witnesses ...
corroborating friends and colleagues. No witnesses.
2
The point of ‘corroboration’ is that this person declared her set of facts about the events in a contemporaneous fashion. This is often important so that the case is not seen as a complaint/accusation fabricated at a later date for dubious reasons. There seemingly are no witnesses , just the two persons in question and their positions on the matter.
He thinks it's his word against yours and that he's untouchable.
I BELIEVE.
I believe you, Ms. Arce von Herold.
I spent a few years in Costa Rica and would testify anywhere that Costa Rican men were more lascivious, licentious, and disrespectful to women, especially fair women who don't look Latin, than anywhere else I've been. They'd touch without even thinking about it.
It took a lot of guts for you to come forward and speak about this.
9
@Julie
"He thinks it's his word against yours and that he's untouchable. "
What he believes is beside the point. The point is that fundamental justice, due process of law requires evidence to convict. Mere accusation is not enough (until feminists succeed in corrupting the concepts of justice and due process).
There are absolutely NO corroborating witnesses in this case. The people she supposedly told about the event witnessed NOTHING. Their testimony is 100% hearsay.
4
Yet it’s fine for you to accuse feminists?
4
@Kat
"Yet it’s fine for you to accuse feminists?"
Absolutely! I am not trying to get them convicted and imprisoned, or fired from their jobs, or suffer any other economic harm or other harm.
MeToo people don't want justice.....they want vengeance. That is why the oppose fundamental principles of justice.
4
And women wonder why men don't want to include the as equals. Because it's not safe. Sadly, Pence has it right
2
Smarty’s mom—What?! Treating women as equals means men will automatically lose...what? The ability to touch, fondle, abuse, use women?? As a mom, I think you might be part of the problem.
9
This brave woman was sexually assaulted by a very powerful man in a very sexist machismo country. It is clear that you are making this political by bringing up Pence. Women are revictimized when they report assault and people like you judge them because you see them as liberal.
7
Reading the comments reveals that most women and some men are determining justice based upon women's feelings.
But feelings vary from one individual to the next, whereas justice is universal. Justice is a matter of principles, logic, and facts. Feelings have no legitimate role in justice. Indeed, in our criminal trials, Courts are supposed to disallow admission of otherwise admissible evidence if such evidence would inflame the passions of the jury, e.g. horrific photos of the victim (I am sure that feminists are at work to get that rule eliminated too from the due process required by the 5th and 14th) Amendments of the Constitution).
4
We are now living in a disgusting era of self-righteous frenzy. Anyone can accuse anyone else and ruin them.
8
Let’s pause in a moment of silence for this poor Nobel laureate, and the injustice of being held accountable for trauma he has inflicted on his colleague.
11
Sounds like you're pretty certain it didn't happen. So people who have been assaulted and sexually abused should just keep their mouths shut as their accusations ruin the abuser. Love the tortured logic on this one. Very sad times we live in. Absolutely disheartening.
11
The timing of this news release, let say, is very unusual, raising the question if Óscar Arias Sánchez was trying to intervene in the current situation in Venezuela bringing the parties together!
2
Eventually this #MeToo movement is going to adversely affect women's employment in the male dominated world of business. Men will determine that it is much safer to work with just other men. If women are not around, there is no temptation nor is there any danger of false accusations.
8
Why is it that every time a brave woman speaks up, against her interests, and discloses abuse, men threaten to shun women from the workplace altogether. Of course we cannot convict anyone without the facts. But we also should not take the scorched earth approach of penalizing women from speaking up about abuse.
19
“Men will determine”? Doubtful. They can’t ban women from the workforce, if for no other reason that women are still producing more for less compensation. Women are too valuable in the profit formula.
And what if these Determining Men are actually women? Perhaps you haven’t heard that women are already in the workplace and there are even men who report to them.
11
@Karen
Why? It is not because some woman spoke up and accused. It is because women have succeeded in their demands that punishment be inflicted on men even when there is nothing but mere accusation, without any real supporting evidence. That effectively gives the accuser the power to punish.
Do you walk alone at night in dangerous neighborhoods? Or do you avoid that potentially dangerous situation where you could be harmed by someone solely at their choice? I bet you avoid them to the extent that you can.
3
Costa Rica likes to promote itself as the land of "Pura Vida".
In many ways it is a model for the rest of Latin America (and in some ways, to the US as well). But it also has an underbelly that few Costa Ricans like to acknowledge, that is quite the opposite of Pura Vida: racial discrimination (mostly against its darker-skinned citizens), corruption, and deeply entrenched machismo culture. Costa Ricans like to boast about their neutrality and how they don't even have an army (although they do have a paramilitary force). They seldom acknowledge that the only reason they can afford not to have an army is that Uncle Sam would most likely bail them out if their neighbor to the North, Daniel Ortega, made good on his past threats and attacked them. It may be a good thing that the sugar-coated image of the "Switzerland of Central America" may soon give way to a more balanced view of the country with its, only too-human foibles.
6
‘Switzerland of Central America’ was always the most bogus of monikers which was simply underpinned by these facts: 1. CR is generally democratic; 2. CR is relatively peaceful compared to its neighbors and #. CR is a great place for assorted vacation styles. Hence, establishing and perpetuating the misnomer is valuable for tourism promotion. The reality is mixed as the knowledgable comments bear out.
A brave woman and unlike many such cases there appears to be ample real-time corroboration that something serious happened. Her reasons for not coming forward earlier are very believable. It is hard to see how this is a misunderstanding, but let's hope prosecutors ensure a full and fair legal process to make certain. Meanwhile, her concern the safety about other young women in positions of having one-on-one meetings is spot-on. Having a third person in the room during any such meetings with Arias is just good sense under the circumstances. Sad female professionals have to take such precautions.
11
This whole thing is disgusting. I trust Arias, a true hero, more than this latter day accuser. The whole me too mov. looks more like a witch hunt or a display of mass hysteria than a movement who wants to build a better world. I suspect too that it has a big share of opportunists in the mix.
I am a woman who always supported women liberation, in many ways I broke barriers in my life, but I deeply distrust this movement -and its copy cats everywhere. Do you recall how many innocents were "burned" when the country went through the child molestation hysteria? I remember a whole family in LA who used to run a nursery school and was ruined by a rush of false accusation (at that time, it was thought that pre-schoolers (like women now) would always "tell the truth".
17
@Nydia Renfrew: Comparing men being held accountable for bad behavior to 'witch hunts' (where innocent women where tortured to death mostly by men) to be disingenuous and ironic (not in a good way).
17
Don't kid yourselves that machismo isn't here in our country. It's just another name for patriarchy with different characteristics. It's great that women are beginning to speak out in Latin American countries. It needs to be done everywhere as the old veneer of male dominance begins to crack. Go Dr Arce, go! Woman are all behind you.
17
Every woman on the planet owes a debt of gratitude to every courageous woman who speaks up and out against atrocities, sexual or otherwise, against women. Our daughters, granddaughters must be the ones who end the madness that's gone on since time began.
106
I’d wager that our sons and grandsons should take responsibility there.
4
Bear in mind that Dr. Arias is 78 years old, is a short and rather frail man. As I recall him, he also has short arms. All of this would make difficult for him to perform such feats of bullying aggression. To add to all this, he has always been a true gentleman and a strong supporter of women's rights.
12
@snail
"he came up behind her, touched her breasts and shoved his hands up her skirt, penetrating her with his fingers."
An entirely plausible scenario by a 'short man'.
Whether he was a 'frail' 74-year-old man at the time remains an open question.
13
Where did Frances Robles get the notion that Oscar Arias Sanchez is "one of Latin America’s most revered statesmen."? Evo Morales, Yes, Eva Peron, Yes, Angela Bachelet, Yes,... But Arias?! Maybe the North Americans and Europeans find him a revered statement because he sides with them on the contamination of the Americans by the oil and mining companies? Or immediately recognizing horrors in Venezuela but not in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico? Arias is just another oligarch that feels entitled to anything.
11
The tragedy of this situation is it comes down to credibility. If there are no witnesses: it's he said, she said. Both individuals appear to be highly honorable people. Careful review and a detailed investigation is warranted. Is there anything to gain by falsely accusing Mr. Arias? I really don't think so.
19
I just don't understand what went wrong with all these men; why did they not develop basic human empathy?
Their numbers are apparently legion and it's neither unfair nor counter-productive to look closely and critically at the cultures from which they sprung.
But I'm pretty old and a product of the same culture and I can't imagine finding pleasure in terrifying and assaulting another human being. I'd like to think that's merely the norm rather than any notable virtue.
22
So what about Professor Vanessa Tyson? Do you believe her?
2
As strange as it may seem, most Virginia Democrats do not believe her. And yet, those same people believed Professor Ford.
Honestly, I don’t know if it is because of party affiliation or because Kavanaugh’s accuser was white, and Ms. Tyson is a person of color.
3
The article states that the accuser, with no supporting evidence, accuses as follows:
" She said she was at Mr. Arias’ home in late 2014 to discuss an upcoming event in Vienna when he came up behind her, touched her breasts and shoved his hands up her skirt, penetrating her with his fingers."
The last part of the accusation is difficult to even imagine. How could that be accomplished without the putative "victim" allowing it? By the time that occurred, she surely would have been moving to get away from the accused. That would make accomplished the alleged act extremely difficult without the accused applying a great deal of force to restrain the putative "victim" (which the "victim" did not even allege).
9
@Errol It does appear a bit strange that someone, even if intimidated or shocked by such behaviour, would not move away and fast!! It is instictive to flee from such a situation.
With a shove if necessary. I don' t excuse or accept such conduct but why would a woman not react?? Specially a professional person whom I assume has a degree of self confidence.
7
@Errol It is evident you are not a woman, the least that you have been molested. You have no idea how it is to feel abused by a "powerful" person. Obviously he deserves a punch in the face at least, yet it is not the common reaction in these situations. Just because you, as a man, would have done differently, it does not mean she is lying.
13
@Errol: Women often freeze in these situations. If he came up behind her, he could have done this very quickly. What kind of supporting evidence does a woman need for you to believe them? Gashes? Bruises? Seven male witnesses? This is what enables perpetrators; people like you who so casually dismiss women.
13
Holy smokes, "John of God"? Now that is surprising. These high powered men, no surprise there
4
Was just reading Michelle Obama's book this morning.
- as Barack was leaving for Law school the summer they met: Barack "May I kiss you? "
25
We shouldn't rush to judgement in either direction. Sometimes accusations are true, and punishment is deserved, but other times there are ulterior motives. If every accusation were true, we wouldn't need judges and trials.
85
@LGK In this situation, esp. where there is a criminal charge pending, whether you, a random stranger, believe her or not, based on a mere newspaper article, is irrelevant. And your final declaration, which somehow sounds like a badge of honor you're awarding yourself, is meaningless. Oh well, you believe her, so done deal.... How did whether strangers who are not in possession of all the facts believe such an accusation or not become a test of truth, supplanting full disclosure, trial, judge, and jury? What happened to due process? Presumption of guilt is the sorry new standard of proof.
23
@Phil The journalist made a point to include the fact that several people (15) have corroborated her experience. There are times when judgement is rushed -- surely this is not one of them.
43
@Phil
If the accused is from the radical left, he can get away with impunity. Nothing stuck to Bill Clinton, right? He is still giving scratchy speeches on politics and morality all over the world and bilking money for his Foundation?
So, Oscar shouldn't be tried in the court of public opinion. He ain't no grouch; he is a good man since he is on "our" side.
9
Her story is compelling, mostly because she told people immediately after it happened. But also because she filed a criminal complaint and gave a statement under oath.
During the time I worked at the State Attorney's office in Florida, I saw how difficult it was for women to come forward when the defendant was a guy with no particular political or financial power. We constantly had to encourage them to keep going, to keep strong. The thought of going to trial and having to testify in front of strangers, while their rapist was staring at them from the defendant's table, was absolutely terrifying to them. And so, so many of these women would end up dropping charges and running away. It was heartbreaking. How many millions of women have never come forward at all?
Thank you Ms. Arch, for having the courage to come forward and file a complaint. I sincerely hope you get the justice you deserve.
129
@Patty O
A compelling story does not make it true.
Filing a criminal complaint does not make it true.
Giving a statement under oath does not make it true.
2
Much admiration for this brave woman willing to speak out against her attacker -- particularly in a culture where machismo still runs deep. This could not have been an easy decision.
195
@PDT
Anybody can accuse someone of anything. Maybe withhold your judgement before you refer to Sanchez as her 'attacker"
22
Luciano doth protest too much, methinks.
28
@PDT With all due respect, she spoke to 15 people regarding the incident. How many people is the right number before I am permitted to make a judgement?
36
I hope Dr. Blasey Ford knows that she's inspired many women to speak their stories knowing they might be ostracized and vilified. If men who engage in these behaviors won't change bad behavior because it's the right thing to do, maybe they'll do it for fear of being called out. Women are not going to be silent any more.
18
The article purports to be fair and then irresponsibly goes on to link this to other cases in Latin America, which have nothing to do with whether these accusations are false.
6
The alleged assault happened four years ago. If Arias is a serial assaulter, there is no telling how many women he victimized between then and now. Why didn't Dr Arce come forward sooner? Of course Arias is ultimately responsible for his actions, but Dr Arce knew what kind of man he was/is and had the burden to report it when it happened.
2
@Lynn in DC What do you mean, she knew what kind of man he was? How could she know he would attack her? And I expect mant more cases will come forward now. That was the whole point of me too: A single woman will not be believed, but if more women come forward to show that a particular man has a pattern of this kind of behavior it gets different.
10
@Elisabeth
I stand by my words. AFTER her assault, she knew what kind of man he was. Do you think a man who assaults a woman is a fine man? I don't.
8
@Lynn in DC maybe she struggled with the awareness that coming forward would subject her to the opinions, judgement, and second guessing from people such as yourself? And possibly death threats.
9
Years ago, when I was working in a university setting, my officemate came back from delivering letters to a professor's office for signature. Her eyes were filled with tears and she was clearly in a state of rage. When I asked her what was wrong she said that Dr. X had grabbed her breasts while she was in his office, and that he tried to do it every time she went there.
I told her she had to report it to our office manager, and that I would back her up. She said no, she had to keep her job. She gave me a look I'll never forget and said, "Who do you think they're going to believe, some famous Ph.d., or me, just a dumb black girl?"
I could feel her pain and frustration and it was horrible, a revelation, because I realized that what had happened was probably not all that uncommon.
Powerful men who have the protection of the system undoubtedly share the same philosophy as our president, who boasted he could do anything he wants when it comes to groping and molesting women.
66
And 53% of white women voted for him.
3
I think it is great that these accusations are being made. I am also very pleased at similar accusations against Virginia's Lt. Governor and when they occurred against now Justice Kavanaugh.
Why am I pleased? Because it so disgusts me that these accusations are given credence when there is no supporting evidence. As these totally unsubstantiated accusations become common, it will become apparent that the accusers are just women who are seeking notoriety or money or to serve some political purpose. So motivated, they should be given no credibility in the absence of real evidence.
15
@Errol
So incredibly quick to dismiss allegations of sexual assault as merely attention-seeking and gold-digging ?
That may be the case for some of these cases, but it's doubtful that's the case for the majority of them.
You make an outstanding misogynist fossil with a complete lack of human empathy.
59
@Socrates
"That may be the case for some of these cases, but it's doubtful that's the case for the majority of them."
1) I did not say that any unsubstantiated accusations are false. I said they do not deserve to be believed in the absence of real evidence to support them. Fundamental principles of justice require evidence to prove guilt and presumption of innocence. Both of those principles are rejected by the MeToo movement and those who sympathize with them.
2) On what basis do you pretend to know the percentage of unsupported accusations which are true? I see absolutely no basis to make any such presumption, either that the majority are false or that the majority are true.
15
Rarely do these things happen in public places. What kind of evidence do you think there needs to be? Do women have to be raped to be believed? Beaten? Should women always have some kind of audio-video device in order to prove to you these assaults happen? Trump described it well when he described assaulting women because, as a star, he could.
34
Wishing her strength. justice and peace.
46
Dr. Arias does not have the polished reputation this article almost implies.
Yes, he was twice president, and yes, he is a Nobel prize winner.
But his last administration is plagued with questionable acts. His irresponsible policies drove us to the brink of insolvency.
His acts against the environment are thankfully being judged in court.
I believe this is the tip of the iceberg, and more accusations will come.
56
Ms. Arce von Herold's description of what happened has the simple ring of truth. I for one believe her. And yes, if left unchecked he would try it again.
38
@Barbara. How did you decide it has the ring of truth?
7
@Jackson
None of your business, but yes - personal experience with men-in-charge in work /school settings.
13
@Jackson
And its is not always male on famale predation, though that has historically been more common. It can be any gender on any gender and in the modern era I imagine that it will be much more democratically distributed.
6
If Dr. Arce's accusations prove to be true, Mr. Arias needs to be charged with a crime, tried in a court of law, and, if found guilty, sent to prison. If her accusations prove to be false, she needs to be charged with a crime, tried in a court of law, and, if found guilty, sent to prison. For victims of sexual assault, nothing can be done to undo the damage to their psyche; for victims of slander, nothing can be done to undo the damage to their reputation.
23
@Larry Imboden Sexual assaults usually occur when the perpetrator and the victim are alone. Do you count testimonies by numerous people who will swear she told them about what happened back then as proof? I would, but how about you? If you don't count proif like that no victim of assault that left no bruises will ever be able to prove anything. Your equal treatment proposal that sounds so fair will then almost always work to the advantage of the accused. This is exactly what happens in the real world, as opposed to these male angst fantasies where poor innocent men are constantly accused by evil females. I have met many women who were attacked in my life and it happened to me too, but I have never met a man who had been accused of sexual assault. How about you?
11
I do not know where you come from, but in democracy’s rules people are considered innocent until proven guilty. Your words contain aspects of tyrannical or despotic systems, because their rules give advantage to the accuser. They do not propose reason and evidence, just an accusation is enough to curtail a person’s liberty, and in egregious cases of tyranny, enough to end a person’s life. That’s not the way decent legal systems work, and America does not need that kind of injustice.
1
I applaud the brave women (and men) who come forward with their traumatic experiences of being sexually assaulted. While accountability is paramount, there has to be a way in which due process is guaranteed. I agree with Dr. Arce's that because of machismo, social and institutional, and the severity of violence towards women in Latin America (#NiUnaMas means "not one less" --usually murdered), exposing the aggressors is almost impossible, and as she mentioned, even self-injurious. I hope that more women come forward if he is indeed guilty of these accusations. Men who engage in this kind of behavior are usually not one-time offenders.
15
As difficult as it must have been to come forward, I am so glad she did. She is likely to be vilified, perhaps professionally destroyed, because she was victimized by a powerful man.
We stand with her.
39
This is chilling and it has the ring of truth.
23
I am so sad to hear this. My daughter taught in Costa Rica for one year and i have since visited the country twice. It's a beautiful, calm, open, and friendly country and that is due to the habits or customs of its people. A country without an army. A highly evolved country in the things that matter. Then one man comes along and does even more to help this image. Then it all comes crashing down and the entire world takes a step backward because of the actions of one man. When are powerful men going to learn that taking advantage of girls and women not only hurts them, their country, but the entire world. Shame on you Oscar Sanchex, Shame on you!
13
Sexual abuse victims suffer from: why didn’t she fight this man? Why did she wait for so long? These people do not realize that overcoming sexual abuse takes a lot of time and courage. It takes a whole movement, the “me too movement” for victims to feel empowered and find their voice. I don’t think that this young woman is gaining anything other than restoring her dignity by refusing to stay silent.
17
This is disgusting, and sadly unsurprising. Much admiration to her for coming forward.
However: I wish the Times had not led so strongly with the impact on *his* legacy, especially in the email alert where it was the 3rd sentence. I think it is a problem that so many stories about assault accusations center the alleged abusers, focusing on how their great potentials or legacies have been tarnished. However unintentionally, I believe this props up the very culture that allows such assault to thrive in the first place.
29
I hope this doesn't destroy you, but it may destroy him.
The truth as it accrues, will set all of us free.
Keep your strength and courage.
12
touching is a form of gambling and here cheating. his traction socially is stolen- the prize SIMPLY needs recall. NOT COMPLICATED.
2
@lar: Not gambling and cheating, but assault. You don't stick your fingers in other people without their consent.
8
“I have never acted in a way that disrespected the will of any woman.”
Once again we hear the same blanket statement in response to accusation of sexual assault.
9
That’s his way of claiming she consented, not that he didn’t touch her.
4
Are you kidding me?. He looks totally fossilized and you're telling me that he is still chasing skirts around? No Way. I take it as an ego trip. Probably pre-arranged. No one remembers the poor guy, he went into oblivion. Let him stay there, please.
3
What's up with these creepy men....
7
Women have always been part of the reward for “winning,” or being a “star.” It’s well past time to let that notion go; part of the “letting go” is listening to the outrage, the physical and emotional damage done, the long-term psychological trauma women have borne through the millennia. You think it’s time to get over it? Just getting started.
46
His lawyers will deny everything and sue the accuser for defamation, for big money!
Note to Creepy Men:
Do not rape.
Do not attack.
Do not molest.
No, we do NOT want you to touch us unless we are in a consensual relationship with you.
No, you are not entitled to our bodies.
No, you are not entitled to grab our boobs or our butts because YOU want to.
No, your deviant sexual needs are not more important than our rights to not have your sweaty, gross hands on our bodies.
No, your touch is NOT wanted. When you inflict yourselves upon on us we feel sick, scared, furious, hurt, intimidated, ruined and devastated.
KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF.
Why do we even need to say this?
Why don't YOU GET IT?
Would you want to be raped? Would you want to have some creepy woman grab you? Would you want to be held down against your will? Would you want to work in an environment where some disgusting woman made sexual comments or ran her hands over YOUR body?
No? Then DON'T DO IT TO OTHERS.
Than you, Dr. Arce, for speaking out.
Men the world over, especially, it seems, powerful ones, need to know that their days of doing whatever they want to women, whenever they want, are over.
They will be reported. The woman will be believed.
Their careers will be over. Their wives may even divorce them.
And to all the good men out there - HELP US. Don't just stand there. Don't laugh. Don't encourage. Protect women. Speak out.
Would you want this to happen to your mom or sister? Your wife? If no, then don't let it happen to someone else's mom or sister or wife.
105
OR you might be elected president! MAYBE that is why the message doesn’t get through, because there is an obvious double standard for the rich and powerful!!!
17
@Katie I categorically presume all to be innocent until proven otherwise. I and much of America still. That you would try and insinuate that your course of justice would be to “ruin the career” of an accused individual because you don’t have the fortitude to bring your accusations before a jury and win a conviction is of the utmost conceit and twistedness. Thankfully, our most recent elections show that those infected with this progressive virus have not fared well, and that there are many sane people and moderates left.
5
@Jon, I am as feminist as they come, but I cringe too at such a screed. Don't worry too much though. How many concrete examples can you name where men's reputations and careers were really harmed without cause? I am thinking of that Democrat politician that used to be a comedian (Al Franken?) but in a population of hundreds of millions Americans that is not much, right?
5
Alexandra Arce von Herold did the right thing and told lots of people around her immediately after it had happened. This gives so much more credence to her accusations.
When sexual assaults (and accusations hereof) are not reported to anyone for years they become she said / he said and at times can also be false accusations.
34
Perhaps it would be easier to list the world figures who have not had accusations of this type against them?
21
@Mike Livingston I hate it when guys pretend this kind of behavior is normal.
11
Good for Ms. Herod for speaking out.
20
And the evidence, other than her allegations, is?
After a while I get jaded at people being brought down by baseless or un substantiated allegations.
I want to believe everyone, but we know human nature as well as mental illness.
6
@Richard Vaughn
The article details an extensive list of people who she reported the attack to in 2014 and who noted her distraught nature at the time of the alleged assault.
This is not appear to be a baseless allegation.
Did you read the article ?
94
@Richard Vaughn This is hardly a thoughtful, concern for process, comment. It is hard to understand your entirely hostile comment and it does suggest that you did not read the article. Seriously, "mental illness".
18
@Richard Vaughn
Obviously you are not a woman and have never been sexually assaulted. When it comes to sexual assault, there are usually no witnesses as the assaulter rarely assaults in front of others. Dr. Arce told many people right after the incident happened.
21
Obviously, I have no idea if this is true or not
But reading the piece it occurred to me that there's a fine line between sexual harassment and a clumsy come on
I keep reading about 'unwanted advances'. How can anyone know if their 'advance' is 'unwanted' before it's rejected?
5
@Luciano
"She said she was at Mr. Arias’ home in late 2014 to discuss an upcoming event in Vienna when he came up behind her, touched her breasts and shoved his hands up her skirt, penetrating her with his fingers."
'Clumsy come on' ?
Are you playing with a full deck ?
101
@Luciano: Don't put your fingers in other people without clear consent.
73
@Anne
Fair enough. What about kissing? Should a man or woman ask the other person for permission before leaning in to kiss them?
4
Nobel peace prize winners are not saints some have even got it it for no good reason other than politics. Oscar Arias Sanchez probably will not be found to be the first to have been accused of sexual assault and would not be the last. Oscar Arias Sanchez id a lot of good for him to deserve a Nobel peace prize.
9
They all do it.
Where there is power there is abuse.
8
@Shiloh 2012 No they do not all do it. There are plenty of decent politicians. People who talk very negatively about all people in politics are often in favor of authoritarian regimes. Something to keep in mind.
10
@Shiloh 2012
President Obama didn’t and doesn’t.
2
His behavior if true is disgusting, clearly criminal. But for Pete’s sake, why was she in his home? Why was a Cosby accuser in HIS home? Why were women going to Weinstein’s HOTEL ROOM? This is called a compromising situation - but these women are willing to risk it - let’s get real - to advance their careers. Just stop. And parents, teach your daughters.
11
Apparently, the women had no warning that powerful men are willing to exert that power in any situation. Nice victim-blaming, by the way. In your world, do all women wear burkas so men are not sexually aroused?
73
@Bhj: Because she trusted him. Because he was married. Because these men suggest it for 'business reasons' and their convenience. Because men shouldn't assume they get to grope and rape women simply because the woman is in their home or vicinity. Quit blaming women for men's bad behavior.
76
@Bhj
Women should not have to expect to be groped in certain situations.
Including visits to the homes of family friends.
25
Bravo and heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Arce for coming forward. As an advocate for sexual assault victims, I've long recognized how individual cases are grotesquely overlooked by the authorities. The victims feel isolated and invalidated.
By exposing high profile cases, society gets a better understanding of the common and covert actions victims are subjected to. Our laws must recognize that CONSENT truly means #FGKIA: Freely Given, Knowledgeable and Informed Agreement, so that we can guide behavior and hold sexual predators accountable as seen in this TEDx Talk: http://bit.ly/2MvLpJp
16
Intellect does not mean character. Working from my laptop, these headlines pop up regularly with similarities: shock, denial, outrage. The assaulter has the advantage of planning, leaving the woman frozen and shocked, then used against her for not acting differently. Followed by a years of blaming herself and being blamed. Change the narrative here: if a guy makes a wrong move, go commando. Let him have to explain the black eye, the facial scratches. Take him by surprise, run, yell.
39
In the situations where men have attacked me, I reacted with frozen fear. I was also afraid the men would kill me if I screamed or fought back. If you were pinned down by a 350-pound rutting male, do you really think you could fight him off? Let me know when it happens to you.
7
It is extremely important for adults, men and women, most especially psychiatrists, to deal with problems immediately as they arise.
There is something seriously wrong with mature adults, especially professional people, not dealing with issues and aggressions immediately, and not waiting for years later to make public complaints.
That is neither fair nor reasonable behavior.
An extremely bad example and precedent.
Justice delayed is justice denied.
10
David, perhaps you should experience the intense and illogical feelings of shame and confusion that come with being raped, especially by a public figure.
Even when women do immediately go to the police, the charges are often dropped, or the man in question is given a slap on the wrist.
Please look into the psychological effects of sexual assault and then question why a person would wait.
Men report this crime even less.
16
@David: You do not understand how trauma works. At all. It can take weeks, months, or years to deal with a breach of trust and the surreal nature of how this feels in the moment. There is often guilt, shame and fear that they'll be blamed (and they often are).
14
Let's say hypothetically that Sanchez misread the body language and thought this accuser was flirting with him?
So he goes in to kiss her and hope for something more
Is that sexual harassment or just a clumsy come on?
6
If it had been only an attempt at a kiss, then not much might have been made of this (though I would still expect more from a Nobel Laureate and a statesman I would think). Grasping at breasts and genitals is another thing entirely and it speaks to something more insidious than mere clumsiness.
43
@Luciano. Why is Sanchez even thinking about touching another woman when he is married?
19
How about he says, I’m attracted to you. Do you feel the same way?
16
I think we need a new movement: #WhoNext.
14
@Thomas You imagine it can be you? Better check your attitudes then.
2
“It’s the right thing to do, even if it destroys me.”
- Alexandra Arce von Herold
A brave woman stands up against another tiny man.
179
@Socrates
Óscar Arias Sánchez is hardly a tiny man.
6
Women don’t go around doing this for kicks and giggles people. She has nothing to gain and everything to lose. And stop with the ‘why did/didn’t she’ line. Why didn’t he not grope her???
10
@Julian Fernandez
Apparently, Óscar Arias Sánchez is a tiny man.
https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/867794060525928448?lang=en
A " tiny, tiny, tiny little man".
11