German media and opposition figures question Brazilian rule of law

The German newspaper Die Welt published an article questioning whether Brazil remains a state of law, criticizing the relationship between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government and the Judiciary. Correspondent Tobias Käufer suggested the Brazilian judicial system might be used as a tool for political protection, citing investigations involving former President Jair Bolsonaro and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

The report highlights the Federal Police's request to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to seize Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s passport amid money laundering and currency evasion investigations. The correspondent questioned the speed of these measures and suggested the judiciary might be targeting political adversaries.

Following the publication, former federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro also questioned Brazil’s democratic status. He accused the Workers' Party (PT) of political persecution, citing various historical incidents and judicial decisions against members of the opposition to argue that those who challenge the current administration face severe consequences.