Lula Defends Bolsonaro’s Coup Trial
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has firmly defended the court ruling that sentenced his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro to more than 27 years in prison for attempting a coup.
In an opinion piece in The New York Times, Lula rejected US President Donald Trump’s claims that the verdict was a “witch hunt.” Instead, he called it a “historic ruling that protects democracy and strengthens Brazilian institutions.”
Lula Challenges Trump’s Tariffs on Brazil
Lula also criticized Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, describing the move as “misguided and politically motivated.”
He highlighted that in the past 15 years, the United States had achieved a $410 billion trade surplus with Brazil. According to Lula, Washington’s decision to raise tariffs was illogical and could only be explained by political pressure.
“The US government is using tariffs and the Magnitsky Act to shield former President Jair Bolsonaro,” Lula wrote, referring to US sanctions placed on the Supreme Court justice who led the trial.
Details of Bolsonaro’s Conviction
The case concluded last Thursday, with four out of five Supreme Court justices voting to convict Bolsonaro on all five charges. His sentence totals 27 years and 3 months, though his lawyers have vowed to appeal.
President Trump reacted by saying the verdict was “very surprising,” while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington would respond against what it considers a political attack.
Democracy and Sovereignty Not Negotiable
In his editorial, Lula reminded the world that Brazil’s justice system operates under the 1988 Constitution, which restored democracy after two decades of military dictatorship.
He dismissed US accusations that Brazil’s courts unfairly targeted American tech companies, saying that internet regulation was necessary and that no firms were being singled out.
Lula ended his piece with a message to President Trump:
“Brazil remains open to dialogue and negotiations that bring mutual benefits. But our democracy and sovereignty are not up for negotiation.”
