MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Lula the only hope for millions of Brazilians, says ex president Dilma Rousseff
Brazil's ex-President Lula da Silva, who is serving a 12-year-one-month jail term for alleged corruption, represents “hope” for millions of Brazilians, former leader Dilma Rousseff said on Sunday. Rousseff succeeded Lula as president and belongs to the same left-leaning Workers' Party (PT), which named Lula its presidential candidate in upcoming Oct. 7 elections, despite his legal woes. Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesI know, sure she believes Lula is the only hope....but not for the Brazilian people....rather for herself and the few dozen thousand politicians, who need him to shut down the Lavajato and other investigations ......the venue too, was very appropriate for such a declaration....the Forum de São Paulo, in Cuba. She just can't avoid being Lula's puppet, can she ???
Jul 16th, 2018 - 03:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“The fact that there is no physical evidence implicating Lula led Mark Weisbrot, writing in the New York Times, to label the process as a kangaroo court proceeding. A growing number of international intellectuals, activists and political leaders – from Noam Chomsky to a group of 12 US Congressmen – have spoken up, complaining about the obvious fact that this proceding appears to be designed to prevent front runner Lula from running for president this year.”
Jul 16th, 2018 - 10:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0http://www.brasilwire.com/un-lawyer-geoffrey-robertson-to-monitor-lulas-appeal-hearing/
No matter who the next one is; what the masses need is:
Jul 17th, 2018 - 11:57 am - Link - Report abuse 0https://www.otempo.com.br/image/contentid/policy:1.2001166:1531693196/CHARGE%20O%20TEMPO.JPG?f=3x2&w=620&$p$f$w=ac4ac92
MAY THE MOST FAVORED CROOK WINS THE RECE!
“The argument used to condemn Lula is a farce and Sergio Moro acted like a Judge from the Inquisition” – Geoffrey Robertson QC
Jul 17th, 2018 - 12:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The UNHRC is looking at a series of issues around Lula’s trial and imprisonment and will make a judgment on whether Lula should be allowed to run for the presidency. As Brazil is a state party to the UN’s First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, any decision by the HRC is legally binding.
....Lawyer Valeska Martins Speaks by Brian Mier
“What we see in our case are obstacles to requesting evidence. We requested a forensic expert report in order to follow the money in Lula’s case. It would serve as evidence for the defense because it would show no connection between Petrobras and any asset or monetary value in any of his bank accounts. So we requested this forensic report and it was denied. When we found out about the bonds that had been issued and the fiduciary assignment agreement, which would definitely explain the ownership of the apartment, we specifically requested these documents to be included in the case files. They would prove the president’s innocence once and for all. This was also denied. So we have serious problems obtaining key evidence. We don’t have a Discovery system here in Brazil like you have in the United States, so obtaining exculpatory evidence is practically impossible”
Six facts currently being censored .. by Brian Mier
”3) Whereas there is no physical evidence connecting Lula to any personal enrichment or bribes of any kind, there is a mountain of physical evidence implicating illegal collaboration between Brazilian prosecutors and the US Department of Justice. The media is ignoring, for example that defense lawyers filed a motion of dismissal two weeks ago based on this illegal collaboration.
4) Operation Car Wash/Lava Jato is a product of the US Department of Justice, FBI and SEC designed to prevent a leftist candidate from being elected president this year and to cont
Some idiots just can't help lapping up all the BS from the toad's defense lawyers - but it's not at all surprising, given they are lefties who believe populism, incompetence and thievery are essential to make a good government.
Jul 18th, 2018 - 03:57 am - Link - Report abuse 0Whatever conclusion the idiots at the UNHRC may reach, is irrelevant.
Brazil: Leaked Video Shows Clear Bias In Lava Jato Prosecution
Jul 18th, 2018 - 11:16 am - Link - Report abuse 0Lava Jato prosecution judge Sergio Moro has close ties with the US State Department and is a frequent speaker at neoliberal think tanks in the US such as the Wilson Center and AS/COA. At one speech at the Wilson Center in July 2016, Moro was asked about his refusal to prosecute corrupt politicians from the PSDB, to which he replied “This Party was in the opposition, so it wouldn’t make sense.” At the time he made the speech, however, two time presidential election runner up for the PSDB, José Serra, was serving as Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Relations.
Moro’s justification for not prosecuting members of the PSDB seems suspicious since his wife Rosangela, whose law firm (Zucolotto Associados, ZA) negotiates Lava Jato plea bargains with corrupt businessmen, has also worked as legal advisor to Flavio Arns, Vice-Governor of Paraná for the PSDB. In another apparent conflict of interest, at the outset of the Lava Jato investigation ZA represented petroleum companies who directly benefit from the breakup of Petrobras, including INGRAX and Royal Dutch Shell.
Despite the serious conflicts of interest within the Lava Jato investigation Sergio Moro continues to be treated as a hero in the American business community. On March 2, the corporate-funded think tank AS/COA, which recently held a private meeting with neo-fascist presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, will hold an event honouring Latin America’s “top corruption fighters,” featuring a speech by Moro.
Brian Mier, Extramural Contributor at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs
https://www.eurasiareview.com/05032018-brazil-leaked-video-shows-clear-bias-in-lava-jato-prosecution/
He(Moro) just can't avoid being an American puppet, can he ??? A Yankee Stooge?
”the disclosure of leaked (US)state department cables which showed US collaboration with Lava Jato judge/prosecutor Sergio Moro since 2009”
http://w ww.brasilwire.com/us-admits-role-operation-lava-jato/
@JB:
Jul 18th, 2018 - 02:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0REF: “populism, incompetence, and thievery are essential to make a good government”:
You mean it isn't? In fact, without such noble traits, one can't even BE a politician!
REF:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqEPXhjHBEc/VTd6TGfPsuI/AAAAAAAABS4/7KC_vkV-ACY/s1600/CHARGE_POLITICA.jpg
@:o))
Jul 18th, 2018 - 08:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0““populism, incompetence, and thievery are essential to make a good government”:
Taken out of context it sounds absurd, but not when it refers to the Brazilian left-wingers who explore such ”noble traits” when they form a government......not saying right-wing in Brazil is any better, but our worst experience in the last 50 years has been the doing of the PT.
Jack Bauer
Jul 18th, 2018 - 08:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Whatever conclusion the idiots at the UNHRC may reach, is irrelevant.”
“As Brazil is a state party to the UN’s First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, any decision by the HRC is legally binding.”
http://www .brasilwire.com/un-investigates-lulas-imprisonment/
“Brazil was elected today, October 28, to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The mandate will start on January 1, 2017.
The Brazilian Government thanks the members of the United Nations for the support received. During the new mandate, our country will work to increase the effectiveness of the Council in promoting and protecting human rights.”
http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/en/press-releases/15097-brazil-is-elected-to-the-united-nations-human-rights-council
“The argument used to condemn Lula is a farce and Sergio Moro acted like a Judge from the Inquisition – Geoffrey Robertson QC...although the Brazilian government recently requested for the UN Human Rights Committee to halt its investigation into ex-President Lula’s arrest, the request was rejected and the investigation is moving forwards.” http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/en/press-releases/15097-brazil-is-elected-to-the-united-nations-human-rights-council
Mea culpa?
@JB:
Jul 19th, 2018 - 02:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0REF: “Taken out of context it sounds absurd, but not when it refers to the Brazilian left-wingers who explore such ”noble traits” when they form a government......not saying right-wing in Brazil is any better”:
Brazil maybe holding the record for the world's BEST Crooks [politicians]! MAY THE WORST RACKETEER WIN!
REF: SITUATION:
https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/brasil-44696698
@TH
Jul 19th, 2018 - 06:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0When will you learn that the 9-fingered crook is not a HR's issue, just a criminal one.? By the look of it, never.
Jack Bauer
Jul 20th, 2018 - 12:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0“is not a HR's issue” Don't you wish.
”although the Brazilian government recently requested for the UN Human Rights Committee to halt its investigation into ex-President Lula’s arrest, the request was rejected and the investigation is moving forwards.”
keep lapping it up Terry...if that's what it takes to make you happy....
Jul 20th, 2018 - 04:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0JB
Jul 20th, 2018 - 06:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It's wonderful to see you chuntering on through your biased tirades. Then introduce you to the actual facts, and thus right the record.
TH
Jul 21st, 2018 - 06:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It is more than obvious you relentlessly defend Lula because you, like other fanatical lefties (such as the 'petistas'), cannot accept the fact that he turned out to be a crook......like the snowflakes in the US can't get over the fact that Hillary lost.......you constantly deny that any physical evidence exists against the 'toad'.....I suppose you are entitled to wear blinders..
While the race is on - at a break-neck speed - to steal the public funds:
Jul 21st, 2018 - 09:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0https://i1.wp.com/www.humorpolitico.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/genildo-20.jpg?resize=461%2C420&ssl=1
JB
Jul 21st, 2018 - 09:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0”You relentlessly defend Lula because you, like other fanatical lefties (such as the 'petistas'), cannot accept the fact that he turned out to be a crook.”
I'll state again my remit is the legality of the situation, nothing to do with his politics. Of which I personally am not very familiar with. What I am familiar with is how any 'common law' country would have judged the evidence against him. He would not have been convicted criminally, nor been liable under 'civil law'. There is but one witness operating under duress against him, with not one iota of corroborating evidence. By a judge who should have been barred because of his bias, and obvious self evident conflict of interest. Don't worry the UNHRC will have no choice but to rule in favour of him.
“As Brazil is a state party to the UN’s First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, any decision by the HRC is legally binding.”
TH
Jul 21st, 2018 - 11:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0State what you want.....but nice to see you finally admit “I personally am not very familiar with his politics”....IF you were, you would know the type of person he is, and would even, IF you were familiar with the evidence against him, not be in such a rush to dismiss it...under the farce of “I am familiar with is how any 'common law' country would have judged the evidence against him”....If you were really familiar with Brazilian law, you would know that our justice system is pretty lenient with 'white collar' crooks, and the fact that the 'toad' was actually convicted, reinforces the fact that the evidence against him was irrefutable.
Your insistence on the “judge's bias”, referring to Sergio Moro, means you are implying that the 3 judges from the TRF-4 and the 5 judges from the STJ, not to mention a majority in the STF - where there are two rabid 'petista' lawyers who were appointed to the Supreme Court, by Lula 'n Dilma, without ever having passed an exam to become magistrates - were all in cahoots with Moro to put him away.....which again, shows you are 'somewhat' misguided...
JB
Jul 21st, 2018 - 11:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“If you were really familiar with Brazilian law, you would know that our justice system is pretty lenient with 'white collar' crooks” That may well be for crooks, but what it clearly reinforces in his case that he was subject to a political trial and subsequent appeals that verified that fact, in exactly the same manner as in the Eastern Block Nations when they were under Soviet control.
But don't worry the UNHRC will have no other option than to find against Brazil.
“Brazil was elected today, October 28, to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The mandate will start on January 1, 2017.
The Brazilian Government thanks the members of the United Nations for the support received. During the new mandate, our country will work to increase the effectiveness of the Council in promoting and protecting human rights.”
TH
Jul 22nd, 2018 - 11:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0keep it up....repeat your lies until even you believe them.
JB
Jul 23rd, 2018 - 02:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0“repeat your lies” If what you say is true you would be specific and be able to back it with facts. But since your assertion isn't any more than an opinion without meeting your burden of proof. I file it with all your other false claims. Such as you are not a fascist.
JB “Your insistence that I'm a fascist”
http://en.mercopress.com/2017/07/20/ex-brazilian-president-assets-and-bank-accounts-frozen/comments#comment471252
or
“He who claims all bathrooms in Brazil, … have poop receptacles, can be dismissed for being an idiot”
http ://en.mercopress.com/2017/07/20/ex-brazilian-president-assets-and-bank-accounts-frozen/comments#comment471252
@JB
Jul 23rd, 2018 - 02:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Re your comment in “Brazilian court has received...”
I think MM's beliefs are sincere. He grew up in the rust belt, seeing the devastation as factories closed and manufacturing moved abroad. But his films are still entertainment first and foremost, even if they are also intended to inform. He tried for years to draw attention to the people left behind as the economy changed, and neither big party had the sense to listen until Trump found a way to appeal to them.
As for Chomsky, he is mainly concerned with American issues, but I don't see anything wrong with talking or campaigning about politics in other countries, as long as you are well informed. Eg during the cold war, people in the west would try to support those campaigning for more rights in Eastern Europe, and try to get political prisoners freed.
Re Maxine Waters, “how about if were the other way around, and she were the target of conservatives ?”
Well, she is now. American politics has got absurd with how they treat those on the other side as if they are the devil incarnate, instead of people with different views who might be worth listening to now and again. It's not a wonder their government spends half its time paralysed, it's impossible for them to compromise after telling their voters the other side's plans are the worst thing ever.
Not sure where you saw Whoopi Goldberg mentioned, but I didn't think she ever did much political. As for Pelosi, she's leader of the Democrats in the House, so is highly visible, and I assume, often annoying Republicans by pushing for opposing policies, but they'd hardly pick anyone too extreme for that job, and I've never heard that she's anywhere close to eg Bernie Sanders.
As for Lula, I remember reading he substantially increased the number of people going to Uni, and they will still have their degrees despite the recession.
Sorry for the late reply, I've been camping this weekend. Glad I came back today, it's 32C now which is not so fun in a tent.
@DT
Jul 23rd, 2018 - 06:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Tend to agree with you mol, rgdng MM ; I get the impression that Chomsky, like quite a few other ‘celebs’, think it’s fashionable to defend wannabe dictators, i.e., Lula, without any real notion of what the ‘toad’ did to Brazil…wouldn’t be surprised if he also defends Maduro. Think we'd be better off if he stuck to US issues.
AFAIC, there is no possible comparison between political prisoners in Eastern Europe under communism, and Lula’s situation…the former were indeed prisoners due to their political convictions - and were treated pretty badly, the latter is just a corrupt politician – in a 5-star cell ; the ‘petistas’ insist he’s a political prisoner and that he is innocent…quite understandable, given the PT has no more natural leaders, and the Party's backward ideas are finding less and less support amongst Brazilians.
Agree that of late, quite a few in American politics have no idea how to behave…they sew discontent as a way to attract attention and gain support of people who can’t think for themselves…Maxine is getting her desserts. Besides having read about Whoopi Goldberg’s crazy rants before, take a look at “Whoopi & Judge Jeanine Blow Up on ‘The View “.
Pelosi is a typical CA democrat ; followed her and Harry Reid (ex D-NV)while the Dems had a majority in Congress (under BO): years ago she was accused of misusing public funds for personal gain, but under a demo majority, nothing happened. Not that she was a radical, just a nasty, slimy politician.
Re Lula and his educational programs, a few months ago I posted something about them…I recall having shown they were far from achieving their objective…many never graduated, and besides, Dilma screwed the programs good and proper .
Did a lot camping, but air-conditioning would be nice…Just fyi, posted something to you under “Congress furious after Trump…”
@JB
Jul 23rd, 2018 - 09:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“wouldn’t be surprised if he also defends Maduro”
He used to defend Chavez, back before the crash, but Maduro, not so much:
“Venezuela is really a disaster situation. The economy relies on oil as to a great—probably a greater extent than ever in the past, certainly very high. And the corruption, the robbery and so on, has been extreme, under the—especially after Chávez’s death.”
As for Brazil, he has this to say:
“On top of that, there was just enormous corruption. It’s just—it’s painful to see the Workers’ Party in Brazil, which did carry out significant measures, just—they just couldn’t keep their hands out of the till. They joined the extremely corrupt elite, which is robbing all the time, and took part in it, as well, and discredited themselves.”
And he complains that the left-wing governments relied on the increase in commodity prices, which was temporary, instead of developing a sustainable economy with manufacturing etc.
“it’s a harmful development model, because when you export grain to China, let’s say, they export manufacturing goods to you, and that undermines your manufacturing industries.”
https://www.democracynow.org/2017/4/5/chomsky_leftist_latin_american_governments_have
As for Lula, certainly he's treated better than political prisoners in Eastern Europe were, but I can't help thinking that if he was part of the 'establishment' then he would not be in jail now. His trial could have been delayed for any number of reasons, or they could have granted his HC request. But that would mean his freedom and ability to run for president depend on his opposition to the current government, which seems pretty damn close to being imprisoned for political reasons.
I looked for data on number of graduates in Brazil, but only found an OECD report with data for 2010 and 2015, which isn't much to go on. It does show an increase from 12 to 17% though.
Camping was good, and I'd much rather have it hot than raining. No one has air-con in the UK anyway.
@DT
Jul 24th, 2018 - 04:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0So Chomsky defended Chavez, ‘n regarding Brazil under Lula, while he recognizes the ‘enormous corruption’ he still thinks the ‘toad’ deserves a pardon ? it’s not just a matter of “they just couldn’t keep their hands out of the till”, they emptied it ‘n drove Brazil into recession…is that no fantastic feat, or is it, given the enormous potential Brazil has if governed honestly ?
Regdng the PT’s reliance on commodities, and not “making hay while the sun shines”, I’ve said that many times, only in different words. To cut a long story short, it can be summarized as extreme incompetence (including unprecedented corruption).
Chomsky’s other observations are correct, but his belief that Lula is innocent is ludicrous.
Your “…can't help thinking that if he was part of the 'establishment' then he would not be in jail now”….many people insist the Lavajato was created to target Lula…pure fiction. During the preliminary investigations, which started in 2009, more by accident than intent, Lula was not even mentioned. Finally in July 2013, the first concrete indication s of PB corruption appeared (PB director Paulo Roberto Costa, in a plea-bargain, admitted to the corruption and returned USD 97 million bribe money), which opened up many leads, and in 2014 they led to the Bancoop corruption (Vaccari Neto), which in turn led to OAS ‘n Lula’s triplex (Nov 2014)…During the next 3 ½ yrs, Lula was accused, tried, convicted and jailed…record time ? don’t see why, given the evidence and a new breed of prosecutors, more interested in the truth than cover-ups…and I repeat, he had no intention of ever running for president again, until Dilma was impeached (Aug 2016) ‘n his situation became shaky. Why not grant his HC request ? then, why NOT grant the HC requests fm dangerous drug-ring leaders ‘n murderers ?
Lula became a candidate only to save his skin, ‘n that, many refuse to admit. The title of the link on Chomsky says it all. Will look for prior posts on ‘education’.
If Lula was really masterminding the corruption in government, why has he only been convicted of accepting work on one apartment? Other politicians, from many parties, have been accused and in some cases convicted of stealing millions and millions of dollars. Seems more likely to me that Chomsky is right: the government in Brazil was already deeply corrupt, and when the PT came to power, they simply joined in with the existing system.
Jul 24th, 2018 - 09:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The fact it is all coming out now does not mean it hasn't been going on for a long time. One thing the PT did was give prosecutors more independence, which allowed them to investigate the corruption in high places when they couldn't before.
And, I don't think the Lavajato was created to target Lula, or that he always intended to stand for president again. More likely, Lula decided to stand when Dilma was impeached and he realised he was the only one in the PT popular enough to win. And the ever-widening scope of the corruption investigations was an opportunity that enabled prosecutors to press charges against him or nearly anyone else if they chose. If Lula had announced his retirement instead of planning to stand again, it's unlikely they would have been in such a hurry to convict him. As for the HCs, they've been granted to other white-collar criminals, haven't they? Not so much to gang leaders who are sure to commit more crimes if they are let out of jail.
“I’ve said that many times, only in different words”
Yes, I was surprised to see Chomsky saying some of the same things you did. Perhaps you are secretly a radical. ;)
RE American politics, seemed that under Obama the right disagreed with his every policy just because he proposed it. Now the left is doing the same with Trump. Honestly, sometimes they look more like fans of rival football teams than people trying to run a country.
I replied to your other comment, by the way...
“If Lula was really masterminding the corruption in govt”, seems you too are convinced he’s innocent…tt all evidence against him was fabricated. But to answer your question, the “tripekis” was the first irregularity discovered when prosecutors looked into the PB/OAS corruption ; the 2nd of a total of 7 charges against him – for accepting bribes (overpriced PB /OAS, Odebrecht contracts), ‘n for lobbying (post 2010) to gain foreign contracts (infrastructure projects financed by BNDES for his dictator friends, ‘n executed by Odebrecht, which paid 100s of millions in bribes) – is the “sítio” in Atibaia); Lula’s not being prosecuted ‘cause he wants to become president again, it’s ‘exactly’ the opposite…look at the chronology of the facts. Lula isn’t the only one in jail.
Jul 25th, 2018 - 04:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“The fact it is all coming out now does not mean it hasn't been going on for a long time”…sure it has, and the PT ‘joined in’, with a vengeance, taking corruption to unprecedented levels, using every single State-run enterprise (to finance the FdeSP project). The PT’s claim to honesty was a farce (it was their campaign slogan in the late 90s), and while they may have given prosecutors more independence (as in civilized countries), was only because they NEVER expected to be caught red-handed, far less lose power because of it.
Before Dilma was impeached, Lula was already shit-scared, reason why Dilma tried to appoint him Cabinet minister in order to give him immunity from prosecution.
“enabled prosecutors to press charges against him or nearly anyone else if they chose”…rather a broad statement, and ‘completely’ wrong. Lula’s investigation was already ongoing 2 yrs before Dilma was impeached, but he firmly believed Dilma / her (PT) successor would cover for him.
The few ‘white collar’ criminals granted HCs, were those released (temporarily) by Gilmar Mendes, through individual decisions of his (under suspicion), not by the STF plenary.
Think you'd only believe it if you knew all the facts..
JB
Jul 25th, 2018 - 05:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“the “tripekis” was the first irregularity discovered” It is a very basic apartment, on on a second rate beach, with less than stellar utilities without any corroborating evidence. Don't worry the UNHRCV will be addressing Moro's and the Judiciaries 'apparent corruption.
“seems you too are convinced he’s innocent”
Jul 25th, 2018 - 10:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Innocent of what? I don't believe anyone who governed Brazil could possibly have remained ignorant of the corruption, and I'd say all the major parties have certainly taken illegal campaign contributions. But how much more Lula might have been involved in, and how directly, I don't know. As for the Triplex, I've found an account of the trial in English, but it's hard going, and very long; I haven't managed to read much of it.
Lula isn't the only one in jail, but other candidates for the presidency and various important posts have also been charged, yet their cases don't seem to going anywhere. And the same for other former Presidents who have been accused of corruption. Plus there was the campaign financing case against Dilma and Temer, which surprisingly didn't convict them despite strong evidence. It doesn't seem very consistent, and it does seem suspiciously convenient for a bunch of powerful people.
I seem to remember some other people being granted habeas corpus, but when I google all I get are results about Lula. It's always so hard to find information on Brazil.
Was PB already owned by the state before Lula became president?
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!