Mayor Requests Army Against 'Invasion' During Ex-President Lula's Trial

01/05/2018 - 11h18

Porto Alegre's mayor, Nelson Marchezan Jr. (PSDB), has requested the presence of the Brazilian Army and of the National Force to president Michel Temer, on the day of the trial of former Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the TRF-4 (Federal Regional Court of the 4th Region), scheduled for January 24.

The President's office requested the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Justice to review the official letter, on Thursday (4). The topic will be discussed among Temer and ministers.

The Brazilian Worker's Party (PT) has organized protests countrywide in the event Lula's conviction is upheld.

In the first instance court, judge Sergio Moro sentenced Lula to 9 years and 6 months in prison for corruption and money laundering crimes in the case of the apartment in Guarujá (SP) remodeled by the construction company OAS.

Lula appealed the decision, and the TRF-4 is the court responsible for reviewing the appeal. If the conviction is upheld, Lula may be ineligible for this year's elections.

Marchezan's request for troops, sent on Wednesday (3), stated that "there is an imminent danger to public order and the integrity of citizens" of Porto Alegre, as well as the risk of an "invasion".

"Due to political leaders calling for Porto Alegre's invasion, I took this measure to protect citizens and public assets", stated the mayor in social media networks.

'UNNECESSARY'

Minister of Defense, Raul Jungmann, stated he "personally" does not consider "the possibility of involving the Armed Forces [in this case]". "If required, I will reassert it is unnecessary", said the minister.

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

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