Brazil's Lula says Bolsonaro will serve prison term after conviction

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has stated that former President Jair Bolsonaro will serve the prison sentence imposed by Brazilian courts, following Bolsonaro's detention by federal police. Speaking at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, Lula emphasized that the judicial process had followed proper legal procedures over an extended investigation period.

Judicial Process and Sovereignty

President Lula detailed that Bolsonaro's conviction resulted from approximately two and a half years of investigations, deliberations, and a formal trial process. He characterized the judiciary's decision as final and declined to comment further on the specific ruling, stating "the judiciary made its decision, and the decision is final" when questioned by international media.

Response to International Criticism

The Brazilian leader directly addressed US President Donald Trump's characterization of Bolsonaro's detention as "a very bad situation." Lula firmly rejected external criticism of the judicial proceedings, stating "Trump needs to understand that we are a sovereign country and that judicial decisions here are made independently." He maintained that Bolsonaro had received appropriate legal protections throughout the process.

Detention Conditions and Regional Diplomacy

Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2023, will be held in a private detention facility according to Brazilian media reports. The former president faces a 27-year prison sentence for his involvement in an attempted coup, having been transferred from house arrest to formal custody. Separately, President Lula indicated he plans to discuss escalating US-Venezuela tensions with President Trump, emphasizing diplomatic engagement to prevent potential conflict.