After the undemocratic removal of Dilma Rousseff as president of Brazil (Report, 24 December) via an illegitimate process that saw 62 senators overturn the votes of 54 million, there has been an unprecedented defamation campaign against former president Lula. This “trial by media” is an attempt to keep Lula from participating in the political process. As a highly popular figure as a result of reforms that lifted millions from poverty, Lula is considered a possible candidate in the 2018 elections. Investigating Lula, prosecutors have been unable to find any illegal activity committed. Despite this, they have submitted him to a number of arbitrary constraints and detainments, leading to a UN investigation taking place due to concern that his rights have been infringed. We, the undersigned, oppose this concerted campaign against Lula and stand in solidarity with those struggling for democracy and social progress in Brazil.
Chris Williamson Labour Friends of Progressive Latin America and former MP
Roger Godsiff MP
Grahame Morris MP
Elaine Smith MSP
Neil Findley MSP
Baroness Jean Corston
Lord Martin O’Neill
Lord David Lea
Len McCluskey General secretary, Unite the Union
Tim Roache General secretary, GMB
Kevin Courtney General secretary, NUT
Manuel Cortes General secretary, TSSA
Mick Whelan General secretary, Aslef
Ronnie Draper General secretary, BFAWU
Roger McKenzie Assistant general secretary, Unison
Owen Tudor Head of European Union and international relations, TUC
John Hendy QC Queen’s Council barrister, Old Square Chambers
Ann Pettifor Economist
Dr Julia Buxton School of Public Policy, Central European University
Dr Francisco Dominguez Head of Latin American studies, Middlesex University
Salma Yaqoob Activist
Matt Willgress Editor, No Coup in Brazil
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