Lula says drug dealers “are victims of users” and that it would be “easier” to fight drug addicts

The President stated that users are responsible for traffic; the opposition accused the government of relativizing crime

The president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) he once again sparked controversy when he commented on the fight against drugs. During a press conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday the 24th, the PT member declared that drug dealers “are victims of consumers” and that it would be “easier” for Brazil and the United States to “fight drug addicts”.

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The speech was a response to statements by US President Donald Trump, who had said that a declaration of war was not necessary to eliminate drug traffickers.

“Everyone, when we talk about the fight against drugs, perhaps it would be easier for us to internally fight our drug addicts, the users. The users are responsible for the dealers, who are also victims of the users,” Lula said.

“In other words, there is an exchange of people who sell because there are people who buy, and there are people who buy because there are people who sell,” he added.

The statements, released in the early hours of Brasilia time, immediately had repercussions in the political world. The president argued that the issue should be treated with more “care” and criticized military strategies in the fight against drug trafficking.

The leader of the PL in the Chamber,Sostenes Cavalcante (RJ), reacted on social media by saying the government “prefers to ignore crime”.

“It’s incredible. The man who governs the country defends those who destroy families, those who fill cemeteries and those who spread violence in the streets. For him, the victim is the criminal and the fault lies with the law-abiding citizen,” wrote the parliamentarian.

In the same interview Lula also condemned the attacks and invasions of other countries with the theme of the fight against drugs. The PT member said he plans to discuss the issue with Trump in a possible meeting, citing US actions against shipping off the coast of Venezuela.

According to the US government, the operations are part of an offensive to intercept drug shipments. Trump admitted to authorizing covert CIA operations in the region.

“If the world became a lawless land, it would be very difficult,” Lula said. The president argued that the United States gives priority to dialogue with police authorities and justice ministries of other countries.

“If fashion takes hold, everyone thinks they can invade each other’s territory to do what they want. Where will the word respectability appear in relation to the sovereignty of countries? So I intend to discuss these issues with President Trump if he puts it on the table,” he concluded.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.