05 Apr 2018 | 10:18 AM UTC
Brazil: Protests likely April 5 following anti-Lula court ruling /update 3
Protests likely throughout Brazil April 5 and beyond following court ruling ordering imprisonment of former President Lula; avoid all demonstrations
Event
Demonstrations are likely across Brazil following a ruling by the Supreme Court ordering the imprisonment of former president - and current presidential candidate - Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula). The highly-anticipated ruling was made early on Thursday, April 5 (local time). Lula was convicted to 12 years in prison but had remained free as he exhausted the appeals process. It is unclear when his arrest will take place, but it could occur within a week.
Protests by supporters of Lula and his Workers’ Party (PT) are likely across the county on Thursday and in the following days. Anti-Lula protests celebrating the decision are also likely; demonstrations were held on April 3 in 50 cities to demand Lula’s imprisonment, notably in São Paulo where some 20,000 people reportedly gathered. The head of the Brazilian army and other high-ranking officers also called for Lula’s imprisonment on April 3; the statement raised fears of potential military intervention, further increasing sociopolitical tensions.
Context
Lula was president from 2003 to 2011 and, as the country's first working-class ruler, was and remains a popular figure among much of the population. Despite his conviction, which technically prohibits him from running in the upcoming October 7 presidential elections, he has been nominated by PT as their presidential candidate. Lula and the PT have characterized his conviction as a political witch-hunt intended to keep him out of office.
Advice
Individuals in Brazil are advised to keep abreast of developments, and the sociopolitical climate more generally, and avoid all protests due to the potential for violence.
