Costa Rican ex-president accused of assault

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA— A psychiatrist and anti-nuclear activist has accused Oscar Arias Sanchez, the Nobel laureate and former Costa Rican president, of sexually assaulting her four years ago, bringing the #MeToo movement to one of Latin America’s most revered statesmen.

Arias won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for having brokered a plan to end civil wars in Central America. He remains the most powerful figure in Costa Rica, which he led twice and where he continues to run a foundation that promotes peace and democracy.

The accuser, Alexandra Arce von Herold, filed a criminal complaint with federal prosecutors Monday and gave a statement under penalty of perjury asking them to charge Arias with sexual assault.

A nuclear disarmament activist, Arce often met with the former president, a supporter of the cause. She said she was at Arias’ home in 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.

Over the past few days, Arias did not respond to repeated text, voice and email messages regarding the allegation. On Monday, through an email from a spokesperson, he asked for more information on the case, but did not respond once he had it. Arias’ lawyer has said that the former president, on advice of his counsel, will not comment.