Brazil: Supreme Court denies Lula’s bail request June 22 /update 1

Event

Brazil’s Supreme Court dismissed a request by former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula) to be released on bail or house arrest on Friday, June 22. Lula had requested to be released while he continues to seek further appeals on his corruption conviction. His Workers’ Party (PT) was also attempting to have him out of jail by Tuesday, June 26, to allow him to formally launch his campaign for the upcoming October presidential elections. Demonstrations against the court’s ruling are possible in the coming days.

Context

Lula, currently serving a 12-year prison sentence on corruption charges, was president from 2003 to 2011. As the country's first working-class ruler, he 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 PT as their presidential candidate. Lula and the PT have characterized his conviction as a political witch-hunt 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.