Lula says sovereignty is non‑negotiable and condemns false patriots
During his speech at the opening of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (Sep. 23), Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said there is no justification for “unilateral and arbitrary measures” directed at Brazilian institutions and the Brazilian economy.
“The attack on the independence of the judiciary is unacceptable. This interference in internal affairs is aided by a subservient far right that longs for former hegemony. False patriots publicly plan and promote actions against Brazil. No peace can be attained with impunity,” he declared.
Referring to Jair Bolsonaro, President Lula said that, for the first time in 525 years of Brazilian history, a former head of state has been convicted of attacking the democratic rule of law.
“He was investigated, indicted, and tried. He was held accountable for his actions in a thorough process. He had ample right to defense – a prerogative dictatorships deny their victims,” Lula stated.
Foto: Ricardo Stuckert/PR
“Before the eyes of the world, Brazil sent a message to all autocratic candidates and those who support them. Our democracy and our sovereignty are non-negotiable. We will continue as an independent nation and as people free from any kind of tutelage. Solid democracies go beyond the electoral ritual. Their vigor entails the reduction of inequalities and the guarantee of the most basic rights,” the Brazilian president remarked.
Regarding “false patriots,” the president mentioned Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro. The son of the former president has been in the US since March and has been working with the Trump administration to impose retaliatory measures on Brazil.
On Monday (22), Eduardo Bolsonaro was charged, along with blogger Paulo Figueiredo, by Brazil’s Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, for coercion. The investigations were conducted by the Federal Police, which had already indicted Bolsonaro’s son in August.
