Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has denounced the United States’ decision to revoke the visa of Brazil’s Justice Minister, calling it “unacceptable” and a violation of diplomatic protocol.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has criticized the United States for revoking the visa of Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, calling the move “irresponsible” and expressing solidarity with the minister.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Brasília on Tuesday, Lula said, “These actions are unacceptable — not only against Minister Lewandowski, but also against Supreme Court justices or any Brazilian official.” He emphasized that both he and his government stand with Lewandowski in response to what he described as a “gesture of irresponsibility” by the US.
The revocation comes amid a series of US measures targeting Brazil over the trial of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of plotting to remain in power after losing the 2022 elections. Washington has also imposed 50-percent tariffs on a range of Brazilian imports and sanctioned the judge overseeing Bolsonaro’s trial, which President Trump has labeled a “witch hunt.”
Bolsonaro, who has been called the “Trump of the Tropics,” faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. He denies the charges and claims the proceedings are politically motivated to block a potential return to power in the 2026 elections. He remains under house arrest while awaiting a Supreme Court verdict expected early next month.
