Brazil: Protests likely following anti-Lula court ruling

Event

On Monday, March 26, a court rejected an appeal attempt by former president and presidential candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula). As such Lula, who was convicted on corruption charges and has been sentenced to 12 years in prison, could potentially be arrested as soon as April 4. Following the ruling, a protest was held in front of the appeals court in Porto Alegre on Monday. Further protests by Lula supporters are to be anticipated in cities across the country, particularly if/once the arrest is carried out. Demonstrations in favor of the ruling are also possible.

Context

Lula was president from 2003 to 2011 and, as the country's first working-class ruler, was and remains a highly popular, if divisive, political figure. Despite his conviction, which technically prohibits him from running in the upcoming October 7 presidential elections, he has been nominated by the Workers’ Party (PT) as their presidential candidate. He is currently on a campaign tour of the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, and Santa Catarina, expected to run until March 28.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to keep abreast of developments and the sociopolitical climate and to avoid all protests due to the potential for violence.