Since a parliamentary coup took place in 2016 against elected president Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian democracy has been under threat, writes Patrick Foley. (28/05/18)
October’s presidential election offers a way out of the political crisis, but the country’s most popular candidate has been arrested without material evidence against him. Brazilian democracy is still at stake. Continue reading “With Lula behind bars, Brazilian democracy is still at stake”
Former President, and leading 2018 Candidate, Lula da Silva wrote to France’s Le Monde about his politically motivated imprisonment, his determination to run for President and the worrying dismantling of democracy in Brazil. (17/5/18)
Continue reading “Brazil’s Lula Pens Letter to Le Monde about Political Persecution”
For those who have been following Brazil closely in recent years, the case against former President Lula da Silva is clear-cut. And no, it’s not about tackling corruption, it’s about subverting Brazilian democracy for the second time in two years, writes Patrick Foley (10/05/18) Continue reading “The Persecution of Brazil’s Lula is a Danger to Democracy”
On March 14th, one of Brazil’s most courageous social leaders was brutally assassinated on the streets of Rio de Janeiro (26/04/18)
Marielle Franco, from the left wing PSOL party, a city councilwoman and human rights defender, was shot four times in the head by unknown assailants in a passing vehicle shortly after leaving a gathering of young black activists. Her driver, Anderson Pedro Gomes, was also killed. Continue reading “Justice for Marielle!”
Unite is calling on all trade unionists to ‘Stand With Lula’ – join the protest against Lula’s imprisonment
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is the father of modern Brazil. A trade unionist who was imprisoned by the Brazilian military dictatorship, he later became the most successful President in Brazil’s history, lifting millions out of Poverty and making Brazil’s economy work for ordinary people during eight years at the helm up to 2011.
Now powerful forces, having used a corrupt Congress to depose his successor Dilma Rousseff, are trying to destroy Lula;s reputation by imprisoning him on politically motivated and false charges in an effort to stop him standing for election again.
His imprisonment is part of a coup designed to keep a corrupt government in place.
UK and international trade unions have demanded the immediate release from prison of former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) in London attempted to hand in a letter demanding Brazil #FreeLula to the Brazilian embassy today. It read as follows: “The arrest of Lula is a disgraceful attack on freedom and progress, and will have a serious effect on how Brazil is viewed in the UK and around the world. Lula must be freed at once, and allowed to contest the upcoming election to restore trust in Brazil’s respect for justice and democracy. We are proud to have joined unions around the world on this international day of action, in standing with Brazilian workers and demanding freedom for Lula.”
Unions in attendance were Unite, the GMB, NASUWT, NEU and UNISON, with the TUC and the TUC’s London, Southern & Eastern Region.
Continue reading “Unions in London & Globally say #FreeLula”
Attempts continue to stop the popular former president Lula da Silva from standing in Brazil’s presidential election in October (Report, 5 April). Polls show he would be the likely winner, yet since the removal of President Dilma Rousseff, Lula has been subjected to a concerted campaign against him, where his basic human rights have been breached. As part of this, Lula has been subjected to a political prosecution and conviction, ignoring evidence of his innocence, and triggering a crisis of confidence in the rule of law. This is not just about one man but the future of democracy in Brazil. We believe he should be allowed to stand and the Brazilian people allowed to decide their own future.
Yours,
Chris Williamson MP No Coup in Brazil
Dennis Skinner MP
Clive Lewis MP
Mike Hill MP
Jean Corston House of Lords
David Lea House of Lords
Tim Roache GMB general secretary
Kevin Courtney Joint general secretary, National Education Union
Zita Holbourne PCS and Black Activists Rising Against the Cuts
Dr Mehmet Ali Dikerdem School of law, department of law and politics, Middlesex University
Dr Michael Derham Northumbria University
Professor Julia Buxton Central European University, Budapest
Emeritus Professor Frank Land LSE
Salma Yaqoob Human rights activist
Tim Potter Barrister
Colin Burgon Honorary president, Labour Friends of Progressive Latin America
