PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“This is great news for all socialists and democrats throughout the world. We denounced Lula´s trial as politically-motivated and full of irregularities from the start and the latest ruling of the Supreme Court in Brazil confirms that.
Lula was tried to deliberately prevent him from running in the previous election. It was an undemocratic decision, and it must be fully rectified. He must be able to exercise his rights fully from the moment of this ruling.”
Stanishev added:
“Lula lifted millions from poverty and grew Brazil into a fairer, more democratic society, where everyone counted, giving a voice to the disenfranchised. He also grew Brazil into a regional role model and a strong voice in the international community in the fight against global poverty and climate change. He is a man of conviction and an intelligent, warm, man.”
The Prosecutor General's office is set to appeal the annulment, but the PES puts its trust in the Brazilian judiciary system.
Lula was released from prison in November 2019 after 580 days behind bars, but until yesterday he remained unable to seek election after his political rights were taken away.
The PES supported Lula Da Silva throughout his court and jail saga. PES Deputy Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck took part in the conference Defense of Democracy and against Fascism in São Paulo, supporting the demands for Lula’s immediate release from prison.
Leaders from the PES called for a fair trial for Lula da Silva in 2018, and a year later demanded Lula’s immediate release.
European socialists and democrats were among the international guests to the congress of Lula’s party – Partido dos Trabalhadores (Workers Party) in Brazil and welcomed in Brussels its International secretary Monica Valente and senator Humberto Costa.
