Brazil: Lula supporters camped out in Curitiba /update 8

Event

Supporters of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula) have camped out outside the federal police building in Curitiba (Paraná state), where Lula is being detained. The demonstration began on Saturday, April 7, the day Lula turned himself in to authorities. As of Sunday evening, an estimated 700 protesters were on site, with more expected to arrive in the coming days. Clashes broke out between the demonstrators and police on Saturday evening, leaving nine people injured; further violence is possible.

Context

The Supreme Court ordered Lula's incarceration in the early morning hours of April 5. Lula was convicted to 12 years in prison in rulings made in July 2017 and January 2018 but had remained free amid the (ongoing) appeals process.

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 would technically prohibit him from running in the upcoming October 7 presidential elections, he has been chosen by the Workers' Party (PT) as their presidential candidate. Lula and the PT have characterized the conviction as a political witch-hunt intended to keep him out of office.

Advice

Individuals in Curitiba, and Brazil more generally, are advised to avoid all associated demonstrations due to the potential for violence and to keep abreast of developments and the sociopolitical climate.