Havana - Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Monday underscored his support for the campaign for the release of former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

'With our signatures we will demand the immediate release of Lula da Silva. #LulaLivre #LulaInocente #SomosCuba #SomosContinuidad,' he posted on Twiter in reference to the mobilization that begins here today demanding the freedom of the leader of the Workers' Party (PT).

Work and study centers all over the island will see the collection of signatures on October 28 demanding the release of the former Brazilian president, who will turn 74 on October 27th.

During this act of solidarity, workplaces and educational centers will host activities calling for the immediate release of Lula, and condemning what Cuba has described as an imperialist strategy to discredit progressive leaders.

The policies of the current President of that South American nation, Jair Bolsonaro, and his statements against Cuba and its international medical collaboration, will also be rejected.

The signatures will be presented by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples to the Brazilian delegation that will attend the Anti-imperialist Meeting of Solidarity, for Democracy and against Neoliberalism, convened from November 1 to 3 in Havana.

Lula considers himself a political prisoner and victim of the same coup leaders who overthrew President Dilma Rousseef.