Brazilian court orders immediate execution of former president Lula's prison sentence
Former President Lula was sentenced to 12 years in prison for corruption and asked for bail while he appealed but was refused.
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Former Brazilian President Lula da Silva. Photo:AFP. |
Brazil's Supreme Court today ordered former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to immediately serve a 12-year prison sentence for corruption and bribery, a move that could end his political career, according toCNN.
Lula, who served two terms as president from 2003 to 2011, is considered a leading candidate in the upcoming election in October. However, five of the six judges rejected Lula's request for bail pending his appeal.
Lula was indicted and convicted in July 2017 for allegedly accepting a luxury apartment worth $1.1 million from the construction company OAS. The charges were brought after his presidential term ended in early 2011.
Mr Lula said the charges against him were politically motivated and aimed at preventing him from running for president. Mr Lula's Workers' Party called the court's decision a "tragic day for democracy and Brazil".
