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Brasília, Brazil – A diplomatic row has erupted between Brazil and the United States after the US government revoked the visa of Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva swiftly condemned the move as “irresponsible,” expressing strong support for his colleague.

The sudden revocation has sent shockwaves through the Brazilian government and sparked widespread speculation about the motivations behind the decision. While the US State Department has not yet provided a detailed explanation, the timing – coming shortly after Lewandowski's criticism of former President Jair Bolsonaro – has fueled theories of political interference.

Lewandowski, a highly respected legal figure, recently criticized Bolsonaro's attempts to undermine the electoral system and questioned the legitimacy of some of his actions during his presidency. His outspokenness on matters of democratic integrity has earned him both praise and criticism.

“I wanted to express my solidarity and the government's solidarity with my colleague Lewandowski faced with the irresponsible gesture of the United States in revoking his visa,” Lula stated during a press conference. He added that the decision was an attempt to intimidate the Brazilian government and silence criticism of Bolsonaro's legacy.

The situation is particularly sensitive given Brazil's close relationship with the United States. While both countries share a commitment to democratic values, this incident has raised questions about the potential for political disagreements to impact diplomatic ties.

Analysis & Potential Implications:

• Political Pressure: The visa revocation is widely seen as an attempt to exert pressure on the Lula administration and potentially influence the ongoing investigations into Bolsonaro and his allies.
• Diplomatic Fallout: The incident could strain relations between Brazil and the US, potentially leading to a reassessment of bilateral cooperation on various fronts.
• Domestic Reaction: The move has galvanized support for Lewandowski and Lula within Brazil, portraying them as defenders of national sovereignty against foreign interference.
• Bolsonaro's Response: Bolsonaro and his supporters are likely to capitalize on the situation, attempting to portray Lula's government as being under external control.

The Brazilian government is reportedly seeking clarification from the US authorities regarding the visa revocation. Lula has vowed to defend Lewandowski and resist any attempts to undermine Brazil's judicial independence. The coming days are likely to be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this diplomatic dispute on Brazil-US relations.

This developing story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.