(MENAFN) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday affirmed that former President Jair Bolsonaro will serve the prison term imposed by the courts, following Bolsonaro’s detention by federal police just days before he was scheduled to begin his sentence, according to reports.

Speaking to reporters at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Lula emphasized that the judicial process had been completed.

“He will serve the sentence determined by the judiciary, and everyone already knows what he did,” Lula said. He added that Bolsonaro’s conviction came after an extensive legal process.

“There were investigations lasting about two and a half years, deliberations on the charges, and a trial. In other words, the judiciary made its decision, and the decision is final. Therefore, I have no further comment to add.”

Lula also responded to criticism from US President Donald Trump, who described Bolsonaro’s arrest as “a very bad situation.”

“Bolsonaro had the right to the presumption of innocence. I don’t think that has anything to do with the current situation,” Lula stated.

“Trump needs to understand that we are a sovereign country and that judicial decisions here are made independently. The decision issued here stands. I do not wish to comment on the ruling made by the judiciary.”

Reports indicate that Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2023, will be held in a private 12-square-meter cell equipped with a bed, bathroom, window, television, air conditioning, and a small refrigerator. He had previously been under house arrest before being taken into custody to begin serving his 27-year-and-3-month prison term for his role in a failed coup attempt.

Separately, Lula said he plans to discuss escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela with President Trump, citing increased US military activity in the Caribbean and stressing the importance of diplomatic engagement to prevent a potential conflict.

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