Brazil: Ex-President Lula convicted July 12; protests likely

Event

Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was convicted of corruption and money laundering by a federal judge on Wednesday, July 12. He was sentenced to nine and a half years in jail but will remain free on appeal, which is expected to take at least eight months. Lula would be barred from seeking political office in the future if the ruling is upheld.

Local media sources have reported that following the conviction Central Única dos Trabalhadores (CUT) called for a demonstration in support of Lula at the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) later on Wednesday. No time for the event has been reported. Additional unconfirmed reports indicate that the right-wing anti-corruption group Vem Pra Rua also called for a demonstration in the same place. Clashes are possible in the event of demonstrations.

Context

Lula was president from 2003 to 2010 and, as the country’s first working-class president, was and remains a popular figure among much of the population. His conviction is the highest-profile yet in a broad three-year corruption investigation in Brazil. Lula’s legal representatives have said previously they would appeal a guilty verdict and have characterized the trial as a political witchhunt. Many reports indicate Lula would likely run for president again if he is allowed to participate in the elections scheduled to occur in October 2018.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to avoid any demonstrations due to the risk of violence. Monitor developments to the situation and anticipate transportation disruptions around areas where protests occur.