Brazil's Lula Condemns US Visa Sanctions on Bolsonaro Trial Judges

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva strongly condemned the U.S. government's imposition of visa restrictions on several Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) justices and judicial officials involved in the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. Lula described the U.S. action as "arbitrary," "baseless," and an unacceptable interference in Brazil's judiciary, violating principles of national sovereignty and respect between nations. The visa bans targeted STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes, his family, and seven other justices, as well as Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet, in retaliation for legal measures taken against Bolsonaro and his allies accused of plotting a coup. Lula affirmed that no external threats would deter Brazil's institutions from upholding the democratic rule of law. His government officials, including Solicitor General Jorge Messias and Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann, also condemned the U.S. sanctions as petty and retaliatory. The incident has escalated diplomatic tensions between Brazil and the United States amid ongoing political conflicts involving Bolsonaro and his supporters.