OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Lula condemnation represents attack on democracy
In a statement, the national leadership says that PT will maintain its unconditional defense of Lula, in the belief of his absolute innocence
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Lula condemnation represents attack on democracy
The condemnation of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva represents an attack on democracy and the National Constitution. Although it is a first instance decision, it is a wrong, arbitrary and absolutely illegal measure, conducted by a partial judge, who reports to the media and public opinion he created against former President Lula.
The verdict is based exclusively on plea bargain agreements negotiated over months with confessed criminals, and simply validates the convictions contained in the charges of the prosecutors from the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, with no evidence to justify a condemnation under the terms of Brazilian law.
Lula is not above the law, but neither beneath it. What happens is a process of persecution that configures a constitutional aberration; a typical case of lawfare, in which undue legal resources are used as an end to political persecution. In his case, they sought to impute him crimes based on theories backed only in the word of convicted criminals, incapable to prove their declarations by means of documents or bank transfers.
Lula’s condemnation is yet another chapter of the farce led by the coup consortium that took over the country to suppress social and labor rights, to extend the time of people to contribute for their retirement, to cut essential spending on health and education and, above all, to sell important state-owned enterprises such as Petrobras, Infraero, Caixa Econômica and Banco do Brasil (Bank of Brazil).
Curiously, the veredict was given a day after the voting on measures that suppressed workers’ rights.
PT will maintain the unconditional defense of Lula, as we believe in his absolute innocence. Lula is a recognized leader worldwide for the advancements he achieved when President of Brazil. Today, more than ever, we stand in solidarity with Lula and all his family. In addition, we reaffirm our grief over the death of his wife Marisa Letícia Lula da Silva.
We assure there will be justice in other instances of judgment and that the whole truth will come to surface. History will be the main witness of his verdict of acquittal and greatness.
Viva Lula!
Workers’ Party of Brazil