Brazil: Protests ahead of Lula corruption trial (Jan. 24)

Event

A corruption trial for Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is scheduled to take place in Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul state) on Wednesday, January 24. Demonstrations by both Lula supporters and detractors are to be anticipated in the days leading up to the trial. A number of pro-Lula demonstrations were held on January 18. Supporters are also expected to hold a rally outside the Federal Court of the 4th Region between 07:00 and 18:00 (local time) on January 24.

Clashes between protesters and security personnel, along with other forms of violence and localized traffic disruptions, are possible at all protests. 

Context

Former President Lula da Silva was convicted of corruption and money laundering by a federal judge in July 2017. He was sentenced to nine and a half years in jail but remained free on appeal. 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 characterized the trial as a political witch-hunt. Despite his legal troubles, Lula is expected to run for president again 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 and to keep abreast of the situation.