Mon Sep 15 04:34:52 UTC 2025: ## Lula Slams US Tariffs as “Political” Following Bolsonaro’s Conviction for Coup Attempt

**Brasilia, Brazil** – In a fiery op-ed published in The New York Times, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has condemned recent US tariffs on Brazilian goods as “misguided” and politically motivated, following the sentencing of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, to over 27 years in prison for an attempted coup.

Lula criticized the tariffs, imposed after Bolsonaro’s conviction, as an attempt by the US, specifically mentioning President Trump’s administration, to seek “impunity” for Bolsonaro and undermine Brazilian democracy. He highlighted the substantial US trade surplus with Brazil over the past 15 years, suggesting that the tariffs are driven by political motives rather than economic concerns.

The Brazilian president defended Bolsonaro’s conviction as a necessary safeguard for Brazil’s democratic institutions, stemming from an investigation that uncovered plans to subvert the 2022 election results and assassinate key political figures. He emphasized that the legal proceedings followed Brazil’s constitution and refuted accusations of a “witch hunt.”

Lula’s comments come amid increasing tensions between Brazil and the US over Bolsonaro’s trial. The US has already sanctioned a Brazilian Supreme Court Justice involved in the case and revoked visas for other justices. Trump has publicly voiced his support for Bolsonaro, comparing the legal proceedings against him to those he himself faced, before being re-elected.

Despite the criticism, Lula stated Brazil remains open to negotiating mutually beneficial agreements with the US, but firmly asserted that Brazil’s democracy and sovereignty are non-negotiable.

Meanwhile, Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest, made a public appearance for a hospital visit to remove skin lesions. He was greeted by supporters chanting “Amnesty now!” while his lawyers plan to appeal the conviction and sentence. The former President remains weak with some signs of anaemia.

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