Lula Says Bolsonaro Will Serve Full Prison Term, Rejects Trump’s Criticism of Brazil’s Judiciary

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has affirmed that former President Jair Bolsonaro will fully serve the prison sentence handed down by Brazilian courts, underscoring the independence of the country’s judiciary despite international reactions to the case.

Speaking at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, Lula said Bolsonaro’s conviction followed “two and a half years of investigations, deliberations and a transparent trial process,” stressing that the judicial ruling is final. Bolsonaro was taken into federal custody after being sentenced to 27 years for his role in an attempted coup.

“The judiciary made its decision, and the decision is final,” Lula told reporters, declining to comment further on the court’s ruling.

The Brazilian president also responded sharply to criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had described Bolsonaro’s detention as “a very bad situation.” Lula insisted that Brazil’s legal processes cannot be subject to outside influence.

“Trump needs to understand that we are a sovereign country and that judicial decisions here are made independently,” Lula said, adding that Bolsonaro had been afforded all necessary legal protections.

Bolsonaro, who led Brazil from 2019 to 2023, is expected to serve his sentence in a private detention facility, according to local media reports. He was moved from house arrest to formal custody earlier this week.

Lula also noted that he intends to speak with Trump regarding rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela, emphasizing diplomatic engagement to avoid regional instability.