“There’s no point in seeking amnesty before trial,” says Lula in Japan
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Thursday (Mar. 27) in Japan that the Brazilian justice system is fulfilling its duty in the trial that accepted the complaint against former president Jair Bolsonaro and allies over the attempted coup d’état in Brazil.
The First Panel of the Federal Supreme Court unanimously ruled yesterday (26) to indict former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven others for coup d’état and attempting to abolish the democratic rule of law.
“The Supreme Court is basing its decision on the case file after months of thorough investigation, very well carried by the Federal Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, with key testimonies from important people exposing what was attempted in Brazil,” the president said at a press conference in Tokyo, where he is on an official visit.
“It’s clear the former president attempted a coup in the country. It’s clear, based on all evidences, that he played a role in planning my assassination, as well as that of the vice president, and the former president of the Brazilian Electoral Court. Everyone knows what happened in this country,” Lula stated.
The president also criticized Bolsonaro and opposition groups for seeking pardons for crimes still under trial.
“There’s no point in him going on rants now, claiming he’s being persecuted. Only he knows what he’s done, and he knows it wasn’t right. There’s also no point in asking for amnesty before the trial. Asking for amnesty before trial means he’s saying he is guilty. Instead, he should prove his innocence because there’s no need to ask for amnesty,” he said.
Trip evaluation
In his statement to journalists, Lula emphasized that the trip reinforced the alignment between Brazil and Japan on key issues such as defending democracy and promoting multilateralism.
“It was important because we need to overcome protectionism and promote free trade. Additionally, we want to address changes in global governance, particularly in the UN Security Council, to ensure a stronger representation of world geopolitics in the 21st century,” said Lula.
The press conference in Tokyo marked the president’s final engagement in Japan, where he has been on a state visit, including meetings with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Emperor Naruhito. Lula will now embark on an official visit to Vietnam before returning to Brazil.
