Brazil’s Top Court Paves Way to Free Thousands Including Lula

Lawyers for former Brazil president filed petition on Friday
Supreme Court changed understanding on timing for jailings

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Feb. 2018.Photographer: Patricia Monteiro/Bloomberg

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By Samy Adghirni and Flavia Said

November 8, 2019 at 12:39 AM UTC

Updated on

November 8, 2019 at 2:56 PM UTC

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Lawyers for former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva requested his release from jail less than 24 hours after a high-profile court decision reversed rules for imprisoning convicts.

Lula’s personal lawyer, Cristiano Zanin, submitted the request after meeting with the leftist leader on Friday, news portal G1 reported. Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday night that convicted criminals should be jailed only after all of their appeals are exhausted.