Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva painted a dark picture of democracy around the globe as he discussed the conviction of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who staged a coup to keep himself in power.
“A few days ago, and for the first time in 525 years of our history, a former head of state was convicted of attacking the democratic rule of law. He was investigated, inducted, trialed, and held accountable for his actions in a meticulous process; he has the right to defend himself for security, a prerogative that dictatorships denied to their victims before the eyes of the world,” Lula da Silva said.
“Brazil sent a message to all aspiring autocrats and those who support them: our democracy, our sovereignty, are non-negotiable,” he continued.
Bolsonaro spread unfounded claims of voter fraud and was convicted on multiple charges related to the violent coup. He was sentenced to over 27 years in prison. Trump, who faced similar charges for his involvement in the Jan. 6 riot, has frequently voiced his support for Bolsonaro.
