The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has emphasized that "no one is above the law," while also reminding that "the presumption of innocence must always be respected," in relation to the police investigation that places his son Fábio Luís as an indirect beneficiary of the efforts of a lobbyist to facilitate the sale of medications made with cannabidiol to the federal government.
In a message disseminated on his social networks, Lula has highlighted that "Brazilian institutions are strengthened and have the responsibility to investigate everyone, without exception or privileges. No one is above the law," also stressing that "investigating is different from condemning."
The leader has reiterated that "the presumption of innocence must always be respected" and that "every person has the right to defense, to due process, and to prove their innocence," insisting that respect for these guarantees is essential in any investigation.
In the same vein, he has pointed out that "if there are irregularities, they must be investigated. If there is a diversion of public funds, those responsible must answer for their actions," avoiding directly mentioning Fábio Luís, popularly known as Lulinha. "It is thus, with solid institutions and respect for the Constitution, that democracy is strengthened," added the head of state.
With these statements, Lula distances himself from the government of the far-right Jair Bolsonaro, who has been repeatedly accused of interfering in investigations to protect his children, including Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who is currently aspiring to the Presidency.
According to information from the investigation by the Federal Police released by the magazine 'Veja', the lobbyist and friend of Lula, Roberta Luchsinger, "mentions Fábio as a decisive reference in the projects discussed." Likewise, one of the documents in the case points out that "he has been identified as an indirect beneficiary of negotiations carried out by third parties on his behalf."