In Prison, Lula Will Have Access to Gym Equipment and Ice Water

04/11/2018 - 10h56

Judge Carolina Lebbos, who was responsible for carrying out the prison sentence of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has authorized the installation of gym equipment in an area adjacent to his prison cell.

The former president will also be entitled to ice water. The two requests were put forward by Lula's lawyers following doctor's orders.

The former president's doctors argued that he needs to exercise in order to address his hypertension.

This information was conveyed by police commissioner Igor Romário de Paula to a delegation of governors from the country's northern and northeastern states during a meeting that was held after they were not allowed to visit the former president.

The Federal Justice of Paraná denied Lula visitors at the headquarters of the Federal Police of Curitiba on Tuesday (the 10th).

Things were rather quiet in the area surrounding the precinct where a "Free Lula" camp has been set up. Every hour, demonstrators would sing and chant, calling for the former president to be released.

According to organizers, at least 1,500 people come and go on a daily basis, while 300 people are sleeping at the campsite.

The campsite has become more organized when compared to the first day of protests that took place on Saturday (the 7th).

Bathrooms and showers have been installed and each organization has its own tent. There are also areas where items are sold and supplies can be donated.

On Tuesday, (the 10th), Supreme Court Justice Marco Aurélio Mello suspended talks surrounding the lawsuit on imprisonments following second-instance convictions for a five-day period. The request for an injunction, which is also tied to the lawsuit, has also been put on hold. The concession of the injunction could benefit former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was arrested on Saturday (the 7th).

Translated by THOMAS MATHEWSON

Read the article in the original language