A Majority of Brazilians Support Imprisonment Following Second Instance Convictions

04/17/2018 - 10h25

According to a survey conducted by the Datafolha Institute, a majority of Brazilians supports the imprisonment of defendants who are found guilty following second instance rulings.

The survey demonstrated that 57% of Brazilians consider it fair game for defendants who are found guilty by second instance judges to begin serving their sentences, despite the fact that defendants can still appeal such decisions by taking them to higher courts.

The issue resurfaced following the arrest of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Saturday, the 7th.

The Federal Supreme Court (STF) rejected Lula's habeas corpus request, upholding its 2016 decision which found that arrests may occur following second instance rulings. A minority of the justices attempted to change this finding.

Another 36% of those polled maintained that arrests should only take place if a defendant has used up all his appeals.

When the subject was Operation Lava Jato, most of those interviewed demonstrated widespread support for the corruption probe.

Eighty-four out of every 100 voters believe that investigations must continue because they have not yet realized their full potential. Merely 12% maintain that Operation Lava Jato should be brought to an end.

Once again, corruption topped the list of the country's biggest issues, having been cited by 21% of those interviewed - technically tied with healthcare, which was raised by 19%.

The survey also demonstrated that 61% of Brazilians believe that military commanders should be allowed to publicly address political issues.

Translated by THOMAS MATHEWSON

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