Lula says Brazil won't accept intereference as Trump backs Bolsonaro

SAO PAULO, July 7 (Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Monday his country would "won't accept interference or instruction from anyone" after U.S. President Donald Trump defended former Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro.

"The defense of Brazil's democracy is a matter for Brazilians. We are a sovereign country ... We have solid, independent institutions," Lula said in a statement, without naming Trump.

The U.S. president earlier in the day said that Bolsonaro, who is on trial on charges of plotting a coup to stop Lula from taking office in January 2023, was the victim of a witch hunt. "LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!" Trump wrote on social media.