“THEY can hold your body but not your heart,” former Uruguayan president Jose “Pepe” Mujica told crowds of Lula supporters in the Brazilian town of Curitiba on Thursday evening.

He reported his fellow ex-president as being “in good spirits” despite being jailed on corruption charges.

Lula supporters have been camped outside the federal police headquarters in Curitiba since their Workers Party hero, who is standing again for the presidency, was arrested on April 7 on corruption allegations.

Pepe praised the achievements of Lula’s administration, as well as his efforts for the region.

“Under Lula, Brazil behaved like an older brother,” he said, expressing fears for the future of Brazil and Latin America, depending on the election.

“Really, the mind can never be imprisoned. They can imprison your body but not your heart, your mind,” he declared.

“For whatever purpose, your mind is your heart to go on beating for control of Brazil … For this reason, Lula is free.”