Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared on Thursday that his country is setting an example for the world in upholding democratic principles, following the conviction of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro, 70, was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by a panel of five Supreme Court justices after being found guilty of plotting a coup to stay in power following his defeat in the 2022 election. The ruling marked the first time in Brazil’s history that a former president has been convicted for an attack on democratic institutions.
Speaking to a local television station, Lula emphasized that Brazil’s legal system applies equally to everyone, regardless of political standing. “This country teaches how to practice democracy,” he said, noting his pride in having contributed to the drafting of Brazil’s constitution.
Lula dismissed concerns over possible retaliation from the United States, where President Donald Trump has condemned the case as a “witch hunt.” In response to the ruling, Trump announced tariff hikes on Brazilian goods, sanctions against the presiding judge, and the revocation of visas for several Supreme Court justices.
Lula insisted that Brazil would not be intimidated, framing the conviction as a milestone in defending democratic order.
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