18 Jul 2018 | 06:32 PM UTC
Brazil: Pro-Lula protests nationwide July 18 /update 4
Pro-Lula protests planned across Brazil on July 18, marking 100 days since former president’s arrest; more protests expected in coming weeks
Event
Protests by supporters of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula) are set to take place in cities across Brazil on Wednesday, July 18, to mark 100 days since Lula was imprisoned. In Curitiba, demonstrators will rally outside the Federal Police Building (where Lula is being detained). In Brasília, protesters plan to gather at 18:00 (local time) in front of the Federal Supreme Court. Additional events are planned in other cities across the country. The demonstrations, taking place on what has been termed "Free Lula Day," have been organized by Lula's Workers' Party (PT) to call for his release from prison and to demand that he be allowed to run for president in October's general elections. The events are also being linked to the 100th birthday celebration of late South African President (and former political prisoner) Nelson Mandela.
Further protests of varying sizes are likely over the coming days and weeks, culminating with a national strike on August 10.
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. Lula was
convicted on corruption charges in July 2017, and again in January
2018, and sentenced to 12 years in prison, but had remained free until April amid the appeals process.
Despite his convictions, the PT plans to
nominate him as the party candidate in the October 7 presidential
elections; the electoral court will decide in August whether or not he
will be allowed to officially run. Lula and the PT have characterized
his conviction as a political ploy intended to keep him out of
office.
Advice
Individuals in Brazil are advised to avoid all associated demonstrations due to the potential for violence, and to keep abreast of developments and the sociopolitical climate.