Brazilian Army Commander Says He Repudiates Impunity on Eve of Lula Ruling

04/04/2018 - 11h08

On the eve before the Supreme Court issues a ruling that will seal the fate of former president Lula, army commander Eduardo Villas Bôas said that the military "stands beside the decent citizens who repudiate impunity and respect the Constitution, social peace and democracy".

On a social media platform, the general stated that the army always remains vigilant when it comes to its institutional duties. "It remains to be seen who is thinking about the good of the country and of future generations and who is merely concerned about their own interests," he said.

	(Foto: Pedro Ladeira - 27.fev.2018/Folhapress)
	Army commander Eduardo Villas Bôas

Federal judge Marcelo Bretas, who is overseeing the Lava Jato operation in Rio, shared the general's post, adding the clapping hand emoji. President Michel Temer did not position himself on the matter.

The Supreme Court will resume analysis of Lula's habeas corpus request on Wednesday. The former president was sentenced by a lower court to 12 years and one month in prison. If the court decides to favor Lula, then a precedent would emerge that could be used to the benefit of other Lava Jato defendants.

On Tuesday (the 3rd), demonstrations favoring the arrest of the former president took place in several cities, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Curitiba. Demonstrations both in favor of and against Lula are expected to take place while the session takes place. The court has decided to take additional security measures for the session on Wednesday.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

According to senator and presidential candidate Álvaro Dias, who belongs to the Podemos Party, General Villas Boas' statement was "a welcoming warning".

Presidential candidate Guilherme Boulos (PSOL), on the other hand, criticized the statement. "It is unacceptable for an army commander to influence the Supreme Court or insinuate an intervention of any sort", Mr. Boulos told Folha.

"Are we in April of 2018 or 1964?", he said in a reference to the month and year that Brazil's military dictatorship began.

Flavio Bolsonaro, a Rio state congressman who is also the son of presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro (PSL), said "As always, the armed forces are on the side of the Constitution and of democracy!".

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

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