08-07-2025
Trump tells Brazil 'to leave Bolsonaro alone'; 'do not interfere,' says Lula
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WASHINGTON/SAU PAULO: US President Trump defended former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Monday in a social media post that said his former ally was the victim of a "witch hunt", a term Trump has used to describe his own treatment by political opponents.
Bolsonaro is on trial on charges of plotting a coup to stop Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office in Jan 2023.
"The only trial that should be happening is a trial by the Voters of Brazil - It's called an election. Leave Bolsonaro alone!" Trump wrote. Lula responded, saying Brazil is a sovereign country that "won't accept interference or instruction from anyone". "No one is above law. Especially those that threaten freedom and the rule of law."
Bolsonaro said he was pleased with Trump's support, and again labelled the case against him "political persecution". Brazil's Supreme Court agreed in March to hear the case against Bolsonaro and seven others, who were charged with plotting a coup.
(This is a Reuters story)
