Lula Criticizes US Sanctions on Brazilian Judges in Bolsonaro Case
Brasília: On Saturday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the US’s visa sanctions imposed on judges involved in the case against former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is associated with right-wing politics and was an ally of Donald Trump.
In a statement shared on X, Lula expressed, “I extend my solidarity and support to the justices of the Supreme Federal Court who are impacted by yet another arbitrary and entirely unfounded action taken by the United States government.”
He emphasized that “the interference of one nation in another’s judicial affairs is unacceptable and undermines fundamental principles of respect and sovereignty among countries.”
Bolsonaro faces trial for allegedly attempting to remain in power by overturning the results of the 2022 election, which Lula won.
On Friday, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes mandated that Bolsonaro must wear an electronic monitoring device, remain at home during nighttime hours, and refrain from using social media while awaiting a verdict.
Shortly after this ruling, the United States revoked visas for Moraes along with his colleagues on the court and their close family members.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked in a statement that “the political witch hunt led by Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes against Jair Bolsonaro has fostered a climate of persecution and censorship that not only infringes upon basic rights within Brazil but also reaches across borders to target Americans.”
Both Trump and Bolsonaro have asserted that they are victims of political persecution, with Trump frequently criticizing judges domestically regarding their decisions.
