Lula tells UN that attacks on Brazil's institutions are unacceptable

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that recent “unilateral attacks” on his country’s institutions and economy were intolerable, delivering a pointed criticism of U.S. foreign policy.

His remarks echoed his long-standing reproach of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs, visa bans and financial sanctions in response to the conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for attempting to stage a coup after losing the 2022 election.

“Assaults on sovereignty, arbitrary sanctions and unilateral interventions are becoming the norm,” Lula said, without mentioning Trump by name. “There is no justification for unilateral and arbitrary measures against our institutions and our economy.”

On Monday, Washington imposed sanctions on the wife of the judge who oversaw Bolsonaro’s Supreme Court trial, which Trump dismissed as a “witch hunt,” and revoked the visas of six senior Brazilian officials.

Previously, the Trump administration had sanctioned Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Magnitsky Act and introduced a 50% tariff on U.S. imports of many Brazilian products.

Lula also defended the investigation and due process that led to Bolsonaro’s conviction, which resulted in a 27-year prison sentence for his attempted coup to remain in power.

“He was afforded full rights to a defence,” Lula said. “Before the eyes of the world, Brazil sent a clear message to all aspiring autocrats and their allies: our democracy and sovereignty are not up for negotiation.”

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