Lula Returns to the Fray With Release From Brazilian Jail

Leftist leader is rival of current President Jair Bolsonaro
Supreme Court changed understanding on timing for jailings

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva greets supporters after being released from jail in Curitiba on Nov. 8.Photographer: Guy Pichard/Bloomberg

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By Simone Iglesias and Matthew Malinowski

November 8, 2019 at 7:25 PM UTC

Updated on

November 8, 2019 at 9:05 PM UTC

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Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva walked out of jail and back into Brazil’s political spotlight after a high-profile court decision reversed rules for imprisoning convicts.

TV footage showed the leftist leader in the southern city of Curitiba where he’s been serving a sentence for corruption since 2018. He addressed a crowd of supporters who gathered in front of the building, waving red flags and singing as police stood watch.