Credited from: ALJAZEERA
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has stated that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro should face trial in his own country rather than in the United States, following his capture by U.S. forces. Lula emphasized that "what matters now is to re-establish democracy in Venezuela," asserting that it should be resolved by the people of Venezuela without foreign interference, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.
Lula's comments were made during an interview at the AI Summit in India, where he highlighted the principle of national jurisdiction. He stated, "I believe that if Maduro has to be tried, he has to be tried in his country, not abroad," reinforcing the importance of local legal systems in handling such cases, according to Anadolu Agency.
Moreover, Lula condemned the notion of a head of state being forcibly captured by another nation, drawing parallels to Brazil's own citizens facing legal challenges abroad. This stance aims to respect national sovereignty and prevent setting dangerous precedents in international relations, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Anadolu Agency.
Lula also announced plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump soon to discuss broader issues, including trade relations, amidst ongoing tensions regarding tariffs and economic policies affecting Brazil. This diplomatic engagement appears pivotal for improving Brazil-U.S. relations, as Lula seeks to open channels of negotiation over various topics including organized crime and trade agreements, according to Anadolu Agency.