Politics

What you need to know about Lula’s trial

Lula trial 2018 election corruption
Lula during a political act in São Paulo. Photo: R.Stuckert/IL

It is safe to say that Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is the most improbable president in Brazilian history. The boy who escaped with his family from the desert-like Brazilian sertão to shine shoes in the streets epitomizes the tale of the self-made man. From the streets, he made it to the floor of a screw factory, where he began his career as a politician. First, it was as a union leader, then, as the founder of a left-wing party supported by intellectuals, and finally, as the president.

In his early years in office, Lula faced a two-year-long economic paralysis that threatened to take down his administration. He dodged many corruption scandals, managing to emerge as a man who knew nothing and was betrayed by crooked allies. He beat the scandals, earned the trust of the top 1 percent, and made it to the end of his 8-year tenure with Brazil’s GDP growing at 7 percent. When he left office, he had an 80-percent approval rate. Meanwhile, he lost two wives (one during childbirth in 1971, and one to cancer just a year ago).

Lula’s life is a story made for cinema. And tomorrow, that narrative might include one of its darkest chapters yet: the confirmation of a conviction for corruption and money laundering. The case will have a major impact on the 2018 election – since it could bar Lula from the ballot – and on Brazil’s efforts against corruption.

We at The Brazilian Report are breaking down Lula’s trial for you.

Understand the case

At 8:30 am on January 24, three judges at the Federal Appellate Court of the 4th region (TRF4) will analyze Lula’s appeal of his first conviction. You can watch live by clicking here.

In July 2017, Lula was convicted of corruption and money laundering, and sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison. He was found...

Don't miss this opportunity!

Interested in staying updated on Brazil and Latin America? Subscribe to start receiving our reports now!