Brasilia, April 8 (RHC)-- The imprisoned former President of Brazil and one of the most revered leftist leaders in South America, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, penned a letter to his supporters on the first anniversary of his imprisonment.

The Workers’ Party (PT) leader wrote that he was imprisoned “for the crime of dedicating a lifetime to building a more just, developed and sovereign Brazil.”  Lula wrote: “They have never produced one piece of evidence against me.  Separated from the Brazilian people, my family, and my dearest friends. Forbidden to give an interview, prevented from speaking and being heard.” 

According to Lula, his captors thought that his imprisonment would silence his voice, but it did not.  Now, he says, his voice has resonated through millions of voices.  “We have suffered repeated setbacks since the coup against President Dilma, it is true.  But our defeats strengthen us for the fight, while their victories do not give them a minute of peace.”

The leader said that the present administration under far-right President Jair Bolsonaro is getting richer but their fortunes are guaranteed “at the expense of the suffering of millions of Brazilians” but that does not provide them happiness.  Instead, they are becoming “more angry and unhappy, poisoned by the very hatred they distill.”

He mentioned how during the funeral of his grandson Arthur, repressive actions were taken against him.  He was heavily guarded and immediately after the funeral, he was snatched away from his grieving family and sent back to prison.

He realized then that authorities afraid and not because of him, but because of the millions of people that are unified -- for “they know what we are capable of when we unite to transform this country.”

In conclusion, Lula wrote, “we are alive and strong.  Together, let's reverse each setback, each step back on the hard journey towards Brazil that we dream and that we prove to be possible to build.  We will win.”