Lula asks TSE to investigate suspension of US services

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s (PT) campaign for re-election called on the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to consider the decision of the Estados Unidos to suspend the consular services in Brazil in an investigation into alleged external interference in Brazilian elections. The U.S. embassy’s measure was announced on Thursday night, two days before the first round of elections. According to a statement released by the diplomatic representation, the measure was taken because of “security concerns”.

Campaign cites letter from US senators

For the campaign, the episode must be analyzed in the context of alleged foreign interference in the electoral process and generates insecurity, projecting instability on the electoral environment. The text cites a letter written by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Tim Kaine and Peter Welch to Secretary of State Marco Rubio in which they warn the Trump Administration against interference in the October 4 Brazilian elections. The mention of the letter reinforces the concern of Lula’s team with possible external influences in the elections.

Embassy suspends in-person attendance

The U.S. embassy on Friday suspended face-to-face service in Brasilia and the country's consulates throughout Brazil. According to the U.S. government, the decision was made for security reasons. The statement did not detail which consular services were affected nor did it state whether visas and passports would continue to be issued. The lack of details has generated questions among Brazilians who depend on consular services.

Australian Embassy also closes

The Australian embassy in Brasilia also announced that it would remain closed on Friday for security reasons. There was no indication of a threat directed at the Australian representation. The decision to close the embassy was taken on the basis of the measure adopted by the Estados Unidos. The simultaneous closure of the two diplomatic representations drew attention to the security climate in the federal capital.

PF complies with warrants against suspects

The Federal Police on Friday carried out two search and seizure warrants in an investigation into an alleged plan against the Embassy of the Estados Unidos in Brazil. The orders were fulfilled in São Paulo (SP) and Águas Lindas (GO), in the Federal District Environment. According to the PF, the alleged planning could endanger U.S. diplomatic representations. The operation took place on the same day the embassy suspended in-person services.

Secret research and foreign collaboration

The investigation is conducted under secrecy and is supported by foreign intelligence agencies. The two suspects’ phones and computers have been seized and will be submitted to forensics. The two targets were identified after posting comments on platforms and social networks. The PF stated that the measures were adopted and that, so far, no elements have been found to confirm the risks initially pointed out. No suspected involvement with organizações criminosas has been identified either.

Election context and next steps

The request of Lula’s campaign to TSE comes at a time of pre-election tension, with the first round scheduled for Sunday. The suspension of consular services and the operation of the PF add elements to a scenario already marked by debates on security and external interference. The TSE has not yet spoken out about the campaign request. The source did not detail whether there will be any further steps or deadlines for the analysis of the case.

The population can follow the unfolding of this investigation and its impacts on the electoral process through the Boca no Trombone portal, which will continue to update the information as new official statements.

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