Brazil: Nationwide protests possible ahead of Lula court decision April 4 /update 1

Event

Demonstrations in urban centers across Brazil are likely in the coming days while Brazil’s Supreme Court deliberates whether former president - and current presidential candidate - Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (popularly known as Lula) should be imprisoned; the decision is expected on Wednesday, April 4. Lula has submitted a petition requesting he remain free while he exhausts all available appeal options following his conviction on corruption charges. Protests around the Federal Court of the 4th Region in Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul state), where legal proceedings are ongoing, as well as at major intersections and squares across Brazil are possible. Demonstrations may be organized by both Lula supporters as well as those who are in favor of his arrest.

Context

On Monday, March 26, a court rejected an appeal attempt by Lula, who was convicted on corruption charges and has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. The prominent politician could be ordered to start his prison sentence on April 4 if the current petition is denied. 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, where he is leading the polls.

Advice

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