Lula slams US sanctions, says Brazil is staunch champion for democracy
Speaking at the opening of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the unilateral sanctions imposed by the US, stating that the world is witnessing a rise in authoritarianism. 
“Multilateralism is at a new crossroads. The authority of this organization [the UN] has been called into question. We are witnessing the consolidation of international disorder marked by repeated concessions to the politics of power, attacks on sovereignty, and arbitrary sanctions. And unilateral interventions are becoming the norm.”
In Lula’s view, there is “a clear parallel” between the crisis of multilateralism and the weakening of democracy. “Authoritarianism grows stronger when we remain silent in the face of arbitrariness. When the international community falters in its defense of peace, sovereignty, and the rule of law, the consequences are tragic,” he argued.
“All across the world, anti-democratic forces are attempting to subjugate institutions and stifle freedoms. They worship violence. They exalt ignorance. They act as physical and digital militias and curtail the press. Even under unprecedented attacks, Brazil has chosen to resist and defend its democracy, regained 40 years ago by its people after two decades of dictatorial rule,” President Lula declared.
