Humberto Costa defends Lula.
A senator from the Workers' Party used the Senate floor to defend former President Lula against allegations published by Veja magazine this week; according to the senator, the publication is attempting to create scandals.
PE247 – The article published by Veja magazine, which denounces an alleged lobby between former president Lula and the Supreme Federal Court (STF) minister, Gilmar Mendes, was also condemned by Senator Humberto Costa (PT-PE), in the Upper House Plenary, this Monday (28). According to the parliamentarian, there is an “attempt to produce scandals” on the part of the opposition.
The senator from Pernambuco recalled that the reported meeting brought together three people: Lula, Gilmar Mendes, and former Defense Minister Nelson Jobim. Jobim denied any pressure, embarrassment, or discomfort among those present. He also said that he never left the room. "It's fortunate that it was a meeting with witnesses and that it's the word of two against one," Humberto summarized. "I'm sticking with Minister Nelson Jobim's version."
According to Humberto, "President Lula, given his history, his trajectory, and the respect he has always maintained for the independence of the branches of government, would never be a spokesperson for a proposal like the one presented by Minister Gilmar Mendes."
According to the former Workers' Party leader, the episode should not have any repercussions on the trial of the case known as the Mensalão scandal. "The Supreme Court justices have absolute and total independence and autonomy and will not bow to any kind of pressure. Neither to convict nor to acquit the people involved in this type of process," he believes.