Former Brazilian President Convicted of Corruption
Former Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has been sentenced to nine-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of corruption and money laundering on Wednesday.
Da Silva was sentenced by Federal Judge Sergio Moro, an equally renowned public figure in Brazil.
Da Silva, known simply as Lula, served as president between 2003 and 2010 and is still regarded by many as a leader in the country.
Lula was the country’s first ‘working class’ president, a fact that garnered him tremendous support during his time in office.
Da Silva is credited for helping millions of Brazilians to escape poverty.He has also been praised for his contribution to the fight for democracy during the country’s dictatorship.
In fact, da Silva’s popularity in Brazil is such that he has been seen as a front-runner for presidency in next year’s elections.
The 71-year-old was accused of receiving a beachfront apartment and repairs to the property in an apparent bribe by construction company, OAS. Da Silva’s case is part of a bigger corruption investigation that is centred around state-run oil company, Petrobras.
The investigation has already led to the conviction of many of Brazil’s elite, including wealthy businessmen and politicians.
Da Silva claimed that all the charges brought against him are completely unfounded.
While he has been convicted, Judge Moro ruled that da Silva may remain free while he appeals the conviction
Da Silva’s appeal will be heard by a group of magistrates.
If the magistrates uphold Moro’s ruling, da Silva’s imprisonment will commence and any chance of running for office will be quashed.
Image credit: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (2017) [online image] sourced on 13 July 2017 at http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/un-panel-to-study-claims-brazil-breached-luiz-inacio-lula-da-silvas-rights-1522740
