On 5 April, a regional court, supported by the Supreme Court (by a margin of only 6-5), ruled that Lula must serve time while he appeals the graft conviction and took the decision to imprison him.
The entire legal process has violated his rights to privacy, to a fair trial, freedom from arbitrary arrest, the right to freedom of movement and the fundamental right to be presumed innocent until found guilty.
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) general secretary, Stephen Cotton, made this statement: “Time and time again Lula has had his legal rights ignored. Myself and the ITF stand in absolute solidarity with our Brazilian comrades against this injustice and flagrant disregard for due democratic and legal process.
“Lula has been such a powerful figure for change, fighting against poverty and inequality in Brazil and the bowing to powerful business interests by the Supreme Court-the supporting of this this twelve year sentence for corruption, threatens to undo all of the important work that he has achieved for the people of Brazil.”
Lula’s legal representatives have taken his case to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), stressing that the charges brought against him are unfounded and unproven.
We cannot let this travesty of injustice go unchallenged. Where there is injustice, the voice of reason has to be heard. Our voices join with our comrades and we will stand shoulder to shoulder. Our voices will be heard
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