# Lula's remarks on criminal lawyers spark OAB backlash

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lulas-criminal-lawyer-remarks-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-17T14:38:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

In late July, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sparked controversy during an interview on the podcast “Inteligência Ltda.” by stating that “criminalista defende bandido,” implying that criminal lawyers only defend guilty individuals. The national president of the Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (OAB), Beto Simonetti, demanded a public retraction, arguing that criminal defense is essential for safeguarding constitutional rights, due process, and the adversarial system. The OAB’s São Paulo branch also condemned the remarks as prejudicial and misleading.

During Brazil’s Law Month in August, the Association of Brazilian Criminal Lawyers (ABRAC) and the São Paulo branch of the OAB again repudiated the comments. They emphasized that the role of criminal defense extends to protecting citizenship and democratic rights. 

In a subsequent plenary session, Simonetti reiterated the demand for a retraction, noting that the President’s comments trivialize the legal practice. Additionally, the OAB addressed other professional concerns, authorizing legal action against artificial intelligence companies that engage in the illegal practice of law by replacing professional activities with AI. Regarding the upcoming elections, the OAB declared its intention to remain politically neutral while supporting the Electoral Justice system.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Brazilian Bar Association targets AI companies and demands retraction from Lula

The Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) will pursue legal action against AI companies practicing law illegally and has demanded a retraction from President Lula over comments regarding criminal law.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-bar-association-targets-ai-companies-and-demands-retraction-from-lula

### 2026-08-07: Brazilian President Lula's Comment Sparks Bar Association Defense of Criminal Lawyers

Brazil marks Law Month while President Lula’s July remark that criminal lawyers defend bandits prompted a strong rebuke from the São Paulo Bar Association and the Association of Brazilian Criminal Lawyers, who

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-president-lulas-comment-sparks-bar-association-defense-of-criminal-lawyers

### 2026-08-01: Lula’s comment on criminal lawyers prompts OAB demand for retraction

Lula’s claim that criminal lawyers “defend bandits” led the OAB to demand a retraction, while he also said he may skip first‑round presidential debates.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-bar-association-demands-lula-retract-criminal-lawyer-remark

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Cite as: Lula's remarks on criminal lawyers spark OAB backlash. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lulas-criminal-lawyer-remarks-controversy