The poll numbers of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro have risen according to three surveys released this week, despite his controversial handling of the country's raging COVID-19&nbsp;crisis.

The far-right leader, who is himself currently infected with the virus, has downplayed the pandemic even as it has exploded in Brazil, the country with the most infections and deaths from COVID-19 anywhere in the world except the United States.

But this week's polls suggest the man dubbed the "Tropical Trump" is weathering the crisis relatively well.

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The latest poll&nbsp;published Friday by news magazine Veja, puts the far-right leader comfortably ahead in the first round of the presidential election, with 27.5 to 30.7 percent of the vote, depending on his opponents.

Bolsonaro would easily win the second round against any opponent, even his popular ex-justice minister turned nemesis, Sergio Moro, or leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the poll found. His disapproval rating fell one point, to 46 percent, it found.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-amid-pandemic-314020">Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics amid pandemic</a>

Poder360 said the president's approval rating was 52 percent among beneficiaries of the government's monthly coronavirus emergency relief checks of $115, which aim to help poor Brazilians suffering the economic impact of coronavirus stay-at-home measures.

Bolsonaro is a fierce critic of those measures, arguing the economic pain is worse than the virus itself.

Brazil has registered nearly 2.3 million cases of the new coronavirus and more than 84,000 deaths, and the numbers continue rising rapidly.

Another poll, published Monday by brokerage firm XP Investimentos, put Bolsonaro's approval rating at 30 percent, up from 25 percent in May.

A poll published Thursday by news site Poder360 meanwhile put Bolsonaro's approval rating at 43 percent, up from 40 percent two weeks ago. It put his disapproval rating at 45 percent, down from 50 percent in May.

The poll numbers of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro have risen according to three surveys released this week, despite his controversial handling of the country's raging COVID-19 crisis.

The poll numbers of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro have risen according to three surveys released this week, despite his controversial handling of the country's raging COVID-19 crisis. The far-right leader, who is himself currently infected with the virus, has downplayed the pandemic even as it has exploded in Brazil, the country with the most infections and deaths from COVID-19 anywhere in the world except the United States. But this week's polls suggest the man dubbed the "Tropical Trump" is weathering the crisis relatively well. The latest poll published Friday by news magazine Veja, puts the far-right leader comfortably ahead in the first round of the presidential election, with 27.5 to 30.7 percent of the vote, depending on his opponents. Bolsonaro would easily win the second round against any opponent, even his popular ex-justice minister turned nemesis, Sergio Moro, or leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the poll found. His disapproval rating fell one point, to 46 percent, it found. Also see: Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics amid pandemic Poder360 said the president's approval rating was 52 percent among beneficiaries of the government's monthly coronavirus emergency relief checks of $115, which aim to help poor Brazilians suffering the economic impact of coronavirus stay-at-home measures. Bolsonaro is a fierce critic of those measures, arguing the economic pain is worse than the virus itself. Brazil has registered nearly 2.3 million cases of the new coronavirus and more than 84,000 deaths, and the numbers continue rising rapidly. Another poll, published Monday by brokerage firm XP Investimentos, put Bolsonaro's approval rating at 30 percent, up from 25 percent in May. A poll published Thursday by news site Poder360 meanwhile put Bolsonaro's approval rating at 43 percent, up from 40 percent two weeks ago. It put his disapproval rating at 45 percent, down from 50 percent in May.

Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise in Brazil despite controversial virus handling

Brazil's&nbsp;former President&nbsp;Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said that he fears a ''genocide''&nbsp;in Brazil due to the ''callousness'' of&nbsp;current President Jair Bolsonaro.

He accused Bolsonaro of steering Brazil toward "chaos" with his calls to reopen the economy despite the country emerging as one of those hardest hit by the new coronavirus worldwide, with nearly 14,000 deaths so far.

"The administration is turning anyone who's worried about coronavirus into an enemy, and that's not the right path.&nbsp;

Earlier, Brazil's Health Minister,&nbsp;Nelson Teich, resigned on Friday after less than a month on the job.

&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-health-minister-resigns-after-less-than-a-month-on-job-298974">Brazil’s health minister resigns after less than a month on job</a>

This resignation points towards the Brazilian President's pressure for the nation to prioritize economy over public's health.

Nelson Teich took the office on April&nbsp;April 17. He took over at a time when the country is under severe pressure to balance the public health with the President's view of saving the economy.

Lula is a former union leader who fought Brazil's military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985, then became one of the country's most popular presidents with an anti-poverty crusade.

The 74-year-old was jailed after his term on corruption charges&nbsp;that he says were trumped up to keep him from running for president again.

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said that he fears a ''genocide'' in Brazil due to the ''callousness'' of current President Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said that he fears a ''genocide'' in Brazil due to the ''callousness'' of current President Jair Bolsonaro. He accused Bolsonaro of steering Brazil toward "chaos" with his calls to reopen the economy despite the country emerging as one of those hardest hit by the new coronavirus worldwide, with nearly 14,000 deaths so far. "The administration is turning anyone who's worried about coronavirus into an enemy, and that's not the right path. Earlier, Brazil's Health Minister, Nelson Teich, resigned on Friday after less than a month on the job. Also read: Brazil’s health minister resigns after less than a month on job This resignation points towards the Brazilian President's pressure for the nation to prioritize economy over public's health. Nelson Teich took the office on April April 17. He took over at a time when the country is under severe pressure to balance the public health with the President's view of saving the economy. Lula is a former union leader who fought Brazil's military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985, then became one of the country's most popular presidents with an anti-poverty crusade. The 74-year-old was jailed after his term on corruption charges that he says were trumped up to keep him from running for president again.

Former Brazil President Lula fears 'genocide' in country due to Bolsonaro

Brazil's former leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday attacked right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro for impoverishing working Brazilians and vowed to unite the left to win the 2022 elections in a speech one day after being freed from jail.

Brazil's former leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday attacked right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro for impoverishing working Brazilians and vowed to unite the left to win the 2022 elections in a speech one day after being freed from jail. Lula's wide-ranging, 45-minute speech to cheering supporters focused broadly on defeating Bolsonaro and improving the economic conditions of the working class, although he diverged frequently to talk about everything from his fiancé to solidarity with leftist governments in Bolivia and Venezuela. Lula, who was president from 2003 to 2010, also took aim at a long list of political enemies, including Bolsonaro, Economy Minister Paulo Guedes and Justice Minister Sergio Moro, a former judge who initially ruled to convict Lula. "I want to tell them, I'm back," the 74-year-old told hundreds of supporters dressed in red, the colour of his Workers Party, outside of the metalworkers union where he got his political start. He said Guedes seeks to remake Brazil economically in the image of Chile, long seen as a model of financially conservative governance, but that those policies are the reason for the widespread street protests paralysing its Latin American neighbour. A judge ordered that Lula be freed on Friday, a day after Brazil's Supreme Court issued a broader ruling ending the mandatory imprisonment of convicted criminals after they lose their first appeal. Lula had been imprisoned on a corruption conviction carrying a nearly nine-year sentence. Bolsonaro told reporters in Brasilia, "Let's not give space to compromise with a convict." Earlier on Twitter, the president called for supporters to rally around his government's agenda, which has included a severe tightening of public spending, saying that they must not allow Brazil's next phase of recovery to be derailed. "Do not give ammunition to the scoundrel, who is momentarily free but full of guilt," Bolsonaro said. While Bolsonaro did not mention Lula by name, his left-wing rival took direct aim at the president. "If we work hard, in 2022 the so-called left that Bolsonaro is so afraid of will defeat the ultra-right," he said. Lula, who left the presidency with sky-high approval ratings, is ineligible to stand for office until 2025 under Brazil's "Clean Record" law because of a conviction for taking bribes. But his release is expected to energize the left ahead of next year's municipal elections. He was imprisoned in 2018 after being found guilty of receiving bribes from construction companies in return for public contracts. Lula has maintained his innocence. On Saturday he repeated that Justice Minister Moro, prosecutors and police were lying about his guilt for political reasons. "(I'm) not responding to criminals, jailed or freed. Some people deserve to be ignored," Moro responded on Twitter.

In Brazil, newly freed Lula sets up clash with Bolsonaro's right-wing

Brazil's leftist icon Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva walked free from jail Friday after a year and a half behind bars for corruption following a court ruling that could release thousands of convicts.&nbsp;

The former president, wearing a black T-shirt and suit jacket, pumped his fist as he exited the federal police headquarters in the southern city of Curitiba and was quickly mobbed by hundreds of supporters and journalists.

In an impassioned address in a sometimes hoarse voice, Lula vowed to keep fighting for poor people and denounced the economic policies of the current right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro.

"People are hungrier, they have no jobs, people work for Uber or delivering pizzas on a bike," Lula said in remarks sometimes drowned out by cheers from the crowd and fireworks overhead.

Lula's highly anticipated exit from the facility where he had been held since April 2018 came hours after his lawyers requested the immediate release of the 74-year-old, who has been serving a nearly nine-year sentence for corruption and money laundering.

Late Thursday, the Supreme Court overturned a rule requiring convicted criminals to go to jail after losing their first appeal. Lula is one of several thousand convicts who could benefit from the decision.

Those convicts would remain free until they had exhausted their rights to appeal -- a process critics say could take years in cases involving people able to afford expensive lawyers.

Many of those affected by the 6-5 ruling are political and business leaders caught up in a massive corruption probe dubbed Car Wash that began in 2014.

The Supreme Court ruling had given Lula &nbsp;"hope that there could be justice," his lawyer Cristiano Zanin said.

"Our judicial battle continues, our focus is to get the legal case nullified."

A hero to millions

Lula, who led Brazil through a historic boom from 2003 to 2010, earning him the gratitude of millions of Brazilians for redistributing wealth to haul them out of poverty, was serving eight years and 10 months for corruption.

He was sentenced to almost 13 years in jail in February in a separate corruption case and still faces another half dozen corruption trials.

Lula has denied all the charges, arguing they were politically motivated to keep him out of the 2018 presidential election that was won by Bolsonaro.

"I'm coming for you, wait for me!" Rosangela da Silva, Lula's girlfriend, tweeted after the Supreme Court announced its decision.

"If all the others did worse and are free, why not him too?" Eleonora Cintra, a 74-year-old resident of Sao Paulo, told AFP.

Bolsonaro has been unusually quiet about the court's ruling that freed his nemesis. But his sons have taken to Twitter to attack the decision.

"Thousands of prisoners will be released and rattle everyone, regardless of their political beliefs, generating serious internal and external social and economic reactions," Carlos Bolsonaro tweeted.

Justice Minister Sergio Moro, who convicted Lula when he was a judge in 2017, said the Supreme Court's decision must be respected, but he noted "Congress can modify the Constitution or the law" to allow the jailing of convicted criminals after their first appeal. &nbsp;

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro led many leftist leaders in Latin American in cheering Lula's release, saying "the Venezuelan people are happy and welcome Lula's freedom."

And in the US, liberal presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders said that in Brazil no one had done more than Lula to reduce poverty and defend workers.

"I am delighted that he has been released from jail, something that never should have happened in the first place," Sanders tweeted.

Even though he has been freed, Lula's criminal record will prevent him from resuming his political career. He was the founder of the Workers Party (PT).&nbsp;

That could change, however, if the Supreme Court were to decide in a separate case that Moro had been biased.

Lula's release could invigorate the left and, paradoxically, also help Bolsonaro, who was swept to power in 2018 on a wave of anti-PT sentiment, said Thomaz Favaro of Control Risks consultancy.

"You will have Lula more present on the political scene and that allows Bolsonaro to reinforce his role as leader of the anti-PT field," Favaro said.

Lula will spend his first day of freedom visiting the metalworkers' union he once led near Sao Paulo, Brazil's biggest city.

Brazil's leftist icon Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva walked free from jail Friday after a year and a half behind bars for corruption following a court ruling that could release thousands of convicts.

Brazil's leftist icon Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva walked free from jail Friday after a year and a half behind bars for corruption following a court ruling that could release thousands of convicts. The former president, wearing a black T-shirt and suit jacket, pumped his fist as he exited the federal police headquarters in the southern city of Curitiba and was quickly mobbed by hundreds of supporters and journalists. In an impassioned address in a sometimes hoarse voice, Lula vowed to keep fighting for poor people and denounced the economic policies of the current right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro. "People are hungrier, they have no jobs, people work for Uber or delivering pizzas on a bike," Lula said in remarks sometimes drowned out by cheers from the crowd and fireworks overhead. Lula's highly anticipated exit from the facility where he had been held since April 2018 came hours after his lawyers requested the immediate release of the 74-year-old, who has been serving a nearly nine-year sentence for corruption and money laundering. Late Thursday, the Supreme Court overturned a rule requiring convicted criminals to go to jail after losing their first appeal. Lula is one of several thousand convicts who could benefit from the decision. Those convicts would remain free until they had exhausted their rights to appeal -- a process critics say could take years in cases involving people able to afford expensive lawyers. Many of those affected by the 6-5 ruling are political and business leaders caught up in a massive corruption probe dubbed Car Wash that began in 2014. The Supreme Court ruling had given Lula "hope that there could be justice," his lawyer Cristiano Zanin said. "Our judicial battle continues, our focus is to get the legal case nullified." A hero to millions Lula, who led Brazil through a historic boom from 2003 to 2010, earning him the gratitude of millions of Brazilians for redistributing wealth to haul them out of poverty, was serving eight years and 10 months for corruption. He was sentenced to almost 13 years in jail in February in a separate corruption case and still faces another half dozen corruption trials. Lula has denied all the charges, arguing they were politically motivated to keep him out of the 2018 presidential election that was won by Bolsonaro. "I'm coming for you, wait for me!" Rosangela da Silva, Lula's girlfriend, tweeted after the Supreme Court announced its decision. "If all the others did worse and are free, why not him too?" Eleonora Cintra, a 74-year-old resident of Sao Paulo, told AFP. Bolsonaro has been unusually quiet about the court's ruling that freed his nemesis. But his sons have taken to Twitter to attack the decision. "Thousands of prisoners will be released and rattle everyone, regardless of their political beliefs, generating serious internal and external social and economic reactions," Carlos Bolsonaro tweeted. Justice Minister Sergio Moro, who convicted Lula when he was a judge in 2017, said the Supreme Court's decision must be respected, but he noted "Congress can modify the Constitution or the law" to allow the jailing of convicted criminals after their first appeal. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro led many leftist leaders in Latin American in cheering Lula's release, saying "the Venezuelan people are happy and welcome Lula's freedom." And in the US, liberal presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders said that in Brazil no one had done more than Lula to reduce poverty and defend workers. "I am delighted that he has been released from jail, something that never should have happened in the first place," Sanders tweeted. Even though he has been freed, Lula's criminal record will prevent him from resuming his political career. He was the founder of the Workers Party (PT). That could change, however, if the Supreme Court were to decide in a separate case that Moro had been biased. Lula's release could invigorate the left and, paradoxically, also help Bolsonaro, who was swept to power in 2018 on a wave of anti-PT sentiment, said Thomaz Favaro of Control Risks consultancy. "You will have Lula more present on the political scene and that allows Bolsonaro to reinforce his role as leader of the anti-PT field," Favaro said. Lula will spend his first day of freedom visiting the metalworkers' union he once led near Sao Paulo, Brazil's biggest city.

Brazil's leftist icon Lula walks free from jail

Brazil's Supreme Court voted Thursday to overturn a ruling requiring convicted criminals to go to jail after losing their first appeal, paving the way for leftist icon Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to be freed.

Brazil's Supreme Court voted Thursday to overturn a ruling requiring convicted criminals to go to jail after losing their first appeal, paving the way for leftist icon Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to be freed. The decision means thousands of convicts could be released from prison, including Lula, who is among dozens of political and business leaders caught up in a sprawling corruption probe. They would remain free until they had exhausted their rights to appeal their conviction -- a process critics say could take years in cases involving people with deep pockets. Lula's lawyers said they would seek the "immediate release" of the former president after speaking to him on Friday. "Lula has not done anything wrong and is a victim of 'lawfare,' which in the case of the ex-president is the strategic use of the law for the purpose of political persecution," his legal team said in a statement. The 6-5 decision to overturn the three-year-old ruling is a major setback for investigators in the so-called Car Wash probe, which is supported by many ordinary Brazilians fed up with corrupt leaders. In a statement, the Car Wash task force said the ruling was "inconsistent" with the fight against corruption. While the court's decision would impact their work, the investigators vowed to continue to "pursue justice." In recent days, scores of politicians have lobbied Supreme Court President Jose Antonio Dias Toffoli, who cast the deciding vote, to maintain the ruling. Courts will now need to review the cases of nearly 5,000 convicts. The Supreme Court decision is unlikely to apply to inmates convicted of violent crimes. Luis Roberto Barroso, one of the 11 justices, voted against changing the original decision, arguing: "The system is very hard on the poor and very meek on the rich." But fellow judge Marco Aurelio Mello warned of the risk for judicial errors. "It is impossible to return the lost freedom to a citizen," he said. "The cruelty ends here," tweeted Gleisi Hoffmann, president of the Workers Party founded by Lula. "We will continue to fight for justice... The truth will win." 'Huge blow' Lula, a popular leftist leader jailed in April 2018, is serving eight years and 10 months for corruption. He has been held at the federal police headquarters in the southern city of Curitiba. Lula, 74, was sentenced to almost 13 years in jail in February in a separate corruption case and still faces another half dozen corruption trials. He has denied all the charges, arguing they were politically motivated to keep him out of the 2018 presidential election that he was tipped to win. Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who ultimately won, said during his campaign that he hoped Lula would "rot in prison." If he is freed, Lula's criminal record will prevent him from resuming his political career. That could change, however, if the Supreme Court were to decide in a separate case that Justice Minister Sergio Moro, who convicted Lula when he was a judge in 2017, had been biased. Moro, who joined Bolsonaro's cabinet in January, has faced calls for his resignation over leaked chats purportedly showing he worked with Car Wash prosecutors to keep Lula out of last year's presidential race. Moro has denied any wrongdoing and accused criminals of hacking the messages with the aim of overturning convictions resulting from the investigation, which began in 2014. But the chats published by The Intercept website eroded the probe's credibility. "Huge blow to Bolsonaro's Justice Minister Sergio Moro, who 6 months ago was omnipotent," tweeted American journalist Glenn Greenwald, who co-founded The Intercept.

Brazil's Supreme Court issues ruling that could free ex-president Lula

Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro signalled on Sunday punishing US sanctions would only stiffen their resolve to stick together and support social change in the region.

The three leaders presided over the closing session of a solidarity conference in Havana on Sunday, a meeting that drew more than 1,300 social activists, mainly from Latin America.

The three-day meeting was called to discuss ways to defeat what organisers framed as a US imperialist-led offensive against progressive and socialist governments and movements.

Under the banner of defeating neo-liberalism and backing democracy, it took place as social unrest rocked conservative-led Chile and as conflict raged in Bolivia over a recent election that gave socialist leader Evo Morales a fourth term.

Protests also continued in Brazil over the imprisonment of popular former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, the centre-left retook power from the right in Argentina and the United States hit Venezuela and Cuba with sanctions.

Maduro and Diaz-Canel closed the meeting with addresses broadcast live by state-run television in which they ridiculed the US charges that they were behind the unrest in other countries or responsible for leftist governments.

Maduro's presence appeared designed to signal Cuba would not abandon its strategic ally despite efforts by the United States and other Western and Latin American countries to convince Havana to do so.

Maduro termed charges by the Organisation of American States that Cuba was behind the unrest in Chile “stupid”.

"It is the old Pinochet dictatorship and International Monetary Fund. The people have the right to seek an alternative," he said in a long and fiery speech.

Diaz-Canel said in an apparent reference to unrest in Chile and the Argentinian election: “They accuse us of propping up the Bolivarian (Venezuelan ) Revolution ... while they cover their eyes, ears and mouth, so as not to see, not hear, nor recognise what people are shouting in the streets: neo-liberalism is an economic failure and a social disaster.”

"Trump and his court of old hawks attack the Cuban Revolution; the Bolivarian Revolution; the Sandinistas; the Brazilian, Bolivian, Argentine leftist political leaderships and social, popular, progressive movements throughout the region,"&nbsp;he said.

The Cuban president accused the United states of laying siege to his country by sanctioning third parties who do business with it, urging those present to double their efforts in its defence.

Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro signalled on Sunday punishing US sanctions would only stiffen their resolve to stick together and support social change in the region.

Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro signalled on Sunday punishing US sanctions would only stiffen their resolve to stick together and support social change in the region. The three leaders presided over the closing session of a solidarity conference in Havana on Sunday, a meeting that drew more than 1,300 social activists, mainly from Latin America. The three-day meeting was called to discuss ways to defeat what organisers framed as a US imperialist-led offensive against progressive and socialist governments and movements. Under the banner of defeating neo-liberalism and backing democracy, it took place as social unrest rocked conservative-led Chile and as conflict raged in Bolivia over a recent election that gave socialist leader Evo Morales a fourth term. Protests also continued in Brazil over the imprisonment of popular former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, the centre-left retook power from the right in Argentina and the United States hit Venezuela and Cuba with sanctions. Maduro and Diaz-Canel closed the meeting with addresses broadcast live by state-run television in which they ridiculed the US charges that they were behind the unrest in other countries or responsible for leftist governments. Maduro's presence appeared designed to signal Cuba would not abandon its strategic ally despite efforts by the United States and other Western and Latin American countries to convince Havana to do so. Maduro termed charges by the Organisation of American States that Cuba was behind the unrest in Chile “stupid”. "It is the old Pinochet dictatorship and International Monetary Fund. The people have the right to seek an alternative," he said in a long and fiery speech. Diaz-Canel said in an apparent reference to unrest in Chile and the Argentinian election: “They accuse us of propping up the Bolivarian (Venezuelan ) Revolution ... while they cover their eyes, ears and mouth, so as not to see, not hear, nor recognise what people are shouting in the streets: neo-liberalism is an economic failure and a social disaster.” "Trump and his court of old hawks attack the Cuban Revolution; the Bolivarian Revolution; the Sandinistas; the Brazilian, Bolivian, Argentine leftist political leaderships and social, popular, progressive movements throughout the region," he said. The Cuban president accused the United states of laying siege to his country by sanctioning third parties who do business with it, urging those present to double their efforts in its defence.

Cuba lashes Trump, issues rallying cry to fight imperialism

Brazil's imprisoned ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, still loved by large parts of the population, plans to remarry if he is released from prison, a former minister said.

Lula, 73, a widower for the past two years, has been sentenced to more than two decades behind bars in two separate corruption cases.

He has already spent a year in jail but could be eligible for "semi-open" incarceration later this year after an appeals court reduced one of his sentences.

"He is in love and the first thing he wants to do after getting out of prison will be to marry," Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira, who held cabinet posts in finance and science, wrote on Facebook -- reportedly to the dismay of Lula's aides.

Last week, Bresser-Pereira visited Lula in his prison in Curitiba, southern Brazil.

"He is in very good shape, physically and psychologically," the ex-minister said.

According to the website of the weekly Epoca, the prospective bride-to-be is Rosangela da Silva, a sociologist aged about 40.&nbsp;

She works for the public company that runs a major hydroelectric plant.

They have had a longstanding friendship, after meeting during the 1990s.&nbsp;

Epoca columnist Guilherme Amado said Monday on its website that the romance began before Lula was incarcerated, but his entourage had kept it secret and did not appreciate the revelation on Facebook.&nbsp;

Lula's wife of 43 years, Maria Leticia, died in February 2017.

The charismatic Lula led Brazil through a historic boom from 2003 to 2010, earning the gratitude of millions of Brazilians for redistributing wealth to haul them out of poverty.

Voter surveys showed he remained broadly popular despite his conviction.

He was first found guilty on charges of accepting a seaside apartment as a bribe for helping the OAS construction company to get lucrative deals with state oil firm Petrobras.

The conviction came as part of the wide-ranging "Car Wash" anti-corruption probe that has caught up several South American politicians.

An appeals court last month cut Lula's sentence from 12 years to eight years and 10 months, meaning he could qualify for the "semi-open" prison regime that would enable him to work outside during the day, returning at night to his cell.

But that depends on the outcome of Lula's appeal of the second conviction handed down in February.

In that case, Lula was sentenced to almost 13 years for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras.

He has denied all the charges, arguing they were politically motivated to prevent him competing in elections last year won by far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazil's imprisoned ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, still loved by large parts of the population, plans to remarry if he is released from prison, a former minister said.

Brazil's imprisoned ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, still loved by large parts of the population, plans to remarry if he is released from prison, a former minister said. Lula, 73, a widower for the past two years, has been sentenced to more than two decades behind bars in two separate corruption cases. He has already spent a year in jail but could be eligible for "semi-open" incarceration later this year after an appeals court reduced one of his sentences. "He is in love and the first thing he wants to do after getting out of prison will be to marry," Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira, who held cabinet posts in finance and science, wrote on Facebook -- reportedly to the dismay of Lula's aides. Last week, Bresser-Pereira visited Lula in his prison in Curitiba, southern Brazil. "He is in very good shape, physically and psychologically," the ex-minister said. According to the website of the weekly Epoca, the prospective bride-to-be is Rosangela da Silva, a sociologist aged about 40. She works for the public company that runs a major hydroelectric plant. They have had a longstanding friendship, after meeting during the 1990s. Epoca columnist Guilherme Amado said Monday on its website that the romance began before Lula was incarcerated, but his entourage had kept it secret and did not appreciate the revelation on Facebook. Lula's wife of 43 years, Maria Leticia, died in February 2017. The charismatic Lula led Brazil through a historic boom from 2003 to 2010, earning the gratitude of millions of Brazilians for redistributing wealth to haul them out of poverty. Voter surveys showed he remained broadly popular despite his conviction. He was first found guilty on charges of accepting a seaside apartment as a bribe for helping the OAS construction company to get lucrative deals with state oil firm Petrobras. The conviction came as part of the wide-ranging "Car Wash" anti-corruption probe that has caught up several South American politicians. An appeals court last month cut Lula's sentence from 12 years to eight years and 10 months, meaning he could qualify for the "semi-open" prison regime that would enable him to work outside during the day, returning at night to his cell. But that depends on the outcome of Lula's appeal of the second conviction handed down in February. In that case, Lula was sentenced to almost 13 years for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras. He has denied all the charges, arguing they were politically motivated to prevent him competing in elections last year won by far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro.

Lula 'in love': Brazil's jailed ex-leader wants to marry if freed

Former Brazilian president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-court-reduces-ex-president-lulas-sentence-213138">Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva</a> on Friday said the country is governed by a "gang of madmen" in his first interview from prison, where he is serving an almost nine-year sentence.

The leftist ex-leader, 73, reiterated his innocence and told newspapers El Pais and Folha de Sao Paulo he is "obsessed" with "unmasking" those behind his conviction, which has seen him incarcerated for the past year for bribery and money laundering.

"I know very well the place history holds for me. And I also know who will be in the dumpster," said Lula, charismatic as ever in video clips published by Spanish newspaper El Pais's Brazilian edition.

The interview is the first Lula has given since he was arrested in April of last year.

"It can't be that this country is governed by this gang of madmen ... the country doesn't deserve that and above all the people don't deserve that," Folha de S&nbsp;Paulo reported Lula as saying of President Jair Bolsonaro's far-right administration.

Bolsonaro entered office in January, defeating Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad, who replaced Lula after he was banned from running.

Lula was convicted as part of Operation Car Wash, a wide reaching probe into corruption surrounding state oil firm Petrobras.

But from the start, Lula has maintained he is the victim of a campaign to prevent a leftist leader from returning to power.

This week, an appeals court reduced his 12-year sentence to eight years and 10 months.&nbsp;

The ruling could mean Lula is eligible for "semi-open" prison later this year.

Lula is also appealing a second sentence of almost 13 years handed down in February for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras. If that sentence is upheld, it will be added to the previous one.

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday said the country is governed by a "gang of madmen" in his first interview from prison, where he is serving an almost nine-year sentence.

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday said the country is governed by a "gang of madmen" in his first interview from prison, where he is serving an almost nine-year sentence. The leftist ex-leader, 73, reiterated his innocence and told newspapers El Pais and Folha de Sao Paulo he is "obsessed" with "unmasking" those behind his conviction, which has seen him incarcerated for the past year for bribery and money laundering. "I know very well the place history holds for me. And I also know who will be in the dumpster," said Lula, charismatic as ever in video clips published by Spanish newspaper El Pais's Brazilian edition. The interview is the first Lula has given since he was arrested in April of last year. "It can't be that this country is governed by this gang of madmen ... the country doesn't deserve that and above all the people don't deserve that," Folha de S Paulo reported Lula as saying of President Jair Bolsonaro's far-right administration. Bolsonaro entered office in January, defeating Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad, who replaced Lula after he was banned from running. Lula was convicted as part of Operation Car Wash, a wide reaching probe into corruption surrounding state oil firm Petrobras. But from the start, Lula has maintained he is the victim of a campaign to prevent a leftist leader from returning to power. This week, an appeals court reduced his 12-year sentence to eight years and 10 months. The ruling could mean Lula is eligible for "semi-open" prison later this year. Lula is also appealing a second sentence of almost 13 years handed down in February for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras. If that sentence is upheld, it will be added to the previous one.

Brazil is governed by 'gang of madmen': Jailed former president Lula

A Brazilian appeals court on Tuesday reduced leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 12-year sentence for bribery and money laundering.

In a unanimous decision, the four judges on the Superior Court of Justice panel hearing Lula's appeal agreed to uphold his conviction, but cut the sentence to eight years and 10 months.&nbsp;

The ruling, broadcast live on the court's YouTube channel, could mean Lula is eligible for "semi-open" prison later this year.

The 73-year-old leftist icon, who has been sentenced to 25 years behind bars in two separate corruption cases, marked his first year in jail earlier this month.&nbsp;

The judges also reduced fines imposed on the former president from 29 million reais ($7.4 million) to 2.4 million ($615,000), the estimated price of the triplex.&nbsp;

They also reduced a fine of 175 days -- where each "day" demands payment of five times the minimum wage -- to 50.

Lula was originally sentenced to nine and a half years on charges that he accepted a seaside apartment as a bribe for helping the OAS construction company during his 2003-2010 presidency to get lucrative deals with state oil firm Petrobras.

That was increased by an appeals court in January 2018 -- a decision the Superior Court of Justice panel ruled Tuesday was "excessive."&nbsp;

Lula's legal team said the decision was "too little but it's a start," and said it would appeal, seeking a total acquittal.

"The only result we see as compatible with this specific case is the acquittal of former president Lula because we understand... that he did not commit any crime," said one of his lawyers, Cristiano Zanin.

Lula is also appealing the second sentence of almost 13 years handed down in February for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras.

He has denied all the charges against him, arguing they were politically motivated with the aim of preventing him competing in elections last year that were won by Brazil's new far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

During his election campaign, Bolsonaro said he hoped Lula would "rot in prison."

'Lula is innocent'

Lula has been allowed to leave jail twice in the past 12 months, once for the funeral of his seven-year-old grandson and another time to give evidence in court.

Under Brazilian law a prisoner is eligible for a "semi-open" prison regime after completing one-sixth of the sentence.

Tuesday's decision means Lula could qualify for the more lenient arrangement from September or October, legal experts said.

That would enable Lula to sleep in his cell at night but work outside during the day, law professor Lenio Streck told AFP.

But that depends on the outcome of Lula's appeals in the second conviction.

Lula's efforts to get out of jail were dealt a blow recently when the Supreme Court indefinitely delayed debate on whether a prisoner convicted of a non-violent crime should be released before the end of the appeals process, which could have potentially freed him.

Bolsonaro's victory in October's elections ended decades of centre-left rule in Brazil and reduced Lula's chances of freedom.

Soon after winning, Bolsonaro named Sergio Moro, the anti-corruption judge who handed Lula his first conviction, as justice minister.

"Lula is innocent, he deserves to be acquitted, but the votes for the reduction of his sentence show the level of persecution and arbitrariness to which Lula was subjected by Moro," tweeted Workers Party president Gleisi Hoffmann.

A Brazilian appeals court on Tuesday reduced leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 12-year sentence for bribery and money laundering. In a unanimous decision, the four judges on the Superior Court of Justice panel hearing Lula's appeal agreed to uphold his conviction, but cut the sentence to eight years and 10 months.

A Brazilian appeals court on Tuesday reduced leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 12-year sentence for bribery and money laundering. In a unanimous decision, the four judges on the Superior Court of Justice panel hearing Lula's appeal agreed to uphold his conviction, but cut the sentence to eight years and 10 months. The ruling, broadcast live on the court's YouTube channel, could mean Lula is eligible for "semi-open" prison later this year. The 73-year-old leftist icon, who has been sentenced to 25 years behind bars in two separate corruption cases, marked his first year in jail earlier this month. The judges also reduced fines imposed on the former president from 29 million reais ($7.4 million) to 2.4 million ($615,000), the estimated price of the triplex. They also reduced a fine of 175 days -- where each "day" demands payment of five times the minimum wage -- to 50. Lula was originally sentenced to nine and a half years on charges that he accepted a seaside apartment as a bribe for helping the OAS construction company during his 2003-2010 presidency to get lucrative deals with state oil firm Petrobras. That was increased by an appeals court in January 2018 -- a decision the Superior Court of Justice panel ruled Tuesday was "excessive." Lula's legal team said the decision was "too little but it's a start," and said it would appeal, seeking a total acquittal. "The only result we see as compatible with this specific case is the acquittal of former president Lula because we understand... that he did not commit any crime," said one of his lawyers, Cristiano Zanin. Lula is also appealing the second sentence of almost 13 years handed down in February for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras. He has denied all the charges against him, arguing they were politically motivated with the aim of preventing him competing in elections last year that were won by Brazil's new far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. During his election campaign, Bolsonaro said he hoped Lula would "rot in prison." 'Lula is innocent' Lula has been allowed to leave jail twice in the past 12 months, once for the funeral of his seven-year-old grandson and another time to give evidence in court. Under Brazilian law a prisoner is eligible for a "semi-open" prison regime after completing one-sixth of the sentence. Tuesday's decision means Lula could qualify for the more lenient arrangement from September or October, legal experts said. That would enable Lula to sleep in his cell at night but work outside during the day, law professor Lenio Streck told AFP. But that depends on the outcome of Lula's appeals in the second conviction. Lula's efforts to get out of jail were dealt a blow recently when the Supreme Court indefinitely delayed debate on whether a prisoner convicted of a non-violent crime should be released before the end of the appeals process, which could have potentially freed him. Bolsonaro's victory in October's elections ended decades of centre-left rule in Brazil and reduced Lula's chances of freedom. Soon after winning, Bolsonaro named Sergio Moro, the anti-corruption judge who handed Lula his first conviction, as justice minister. "Lula is innocent, he deserves to be acquitted, but the votes for the reduction of his sentence show the level of persecution and arbitrariness to which Lula was subjected by Moro," tweeted Workers Party president Gleisi Hoffmann.

Brazil court reduces ex-president Lula's sentence

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is serving a 12-year prison term for corruption, proclaimed his innocence again on Saturday at the funeral of his 7-year-old grandson, saying he will prove he did no wrong by the time the two meet "in heaven."

According to the former president's press office, Lula's grandson, Arthur, who succumbed to meningitis during the week, was bullied in school after his grandfather's arrest on charges of accepting a bribe from a construction firm while in office.

On Friday, a judge granted Lula the right to leave prison in the southern city of Curitiba to attend his grandson's funeral, in a suburb of Sao Paulo, about 250 miles to the northeast.

Lula, who served as president from 2003 to 2011, was among Brazil's most popular presidents ever while in office, but his image was tarnished among many segments of the population as he becomes ensnared in several graft probes. The 12-year sentence relates to a luxury apartment he was gifted by construction firm Odebrecht.

He has vigorously denied all charges against him and has portrayed them as part of a judicial coup.

Lula stayed at the cemetery in the suburb of Sao Bernardo do Campo for two hours, though did not speak publicly outside of the funeral ceremony, his press office said.

It is the second loss of a family member for the former president this year.

In January, Lula's brother, Genival Inacio da Silva, known as "Vava," died. At that time, lawyers also sought the former president's temporary release so he could attend the funeral. Lower courts rejected the request, but the Supreme Court allowed it.

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is serving a 12-year prison term for corruption, proclaimed his innocence again on Saturday at the funeral of his 7-year-old grandson, saying he will prove he did no wrong by the time the two meet "in heaven.

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is serving a 12-year prison term for corruption, proclaimed his innocence again on Saturday at the funeral of his 7-year-old grandson, saying he will prove he did no wrong by the time the two meet "in heaven." According to the former president's press office, Lula's grandson, Arthur, who succumbed to meningitis during the week, was bullied in school after his grandfather's arrest on charges of accepting a bribe from a construction firm while in office. On Friday, a judge granted Lula the right to leave prison in the southern city of Curitiba to attend his grandson's funeral, in a suburb of Sao Paulo, about 250 miles to the northeast. Lula, who served as president from 2003 to 2011, was among Brazil's most popular presidents ever while in office, but his image was tarnished among many segments of the population as he becomes ensnared in several graft probes. The 12-year sentence relates to a luxury apartment he was gifted by construction firm Odebrecht. He has vigorously denied all charges against him and has portrayed them as part of a judicial coup. Lula stayed at the cemetery in the suburb of Sao Bernardo do Campo for two hours, though did not speak publicly outside of the funeral ceremony, his press office said. It is the second loss of a family member for the former president this year. In January, Lula's brother, Genival Inacio da Silva, known as "Vava," died. At that time, lawyers also sought the former president's temporary release so he could attend the funeral. Lower courts rejected the request, but the Supreme Court allowed it.

Brazil's Lula again proclaims innocence at grandson's funeral

President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Saturday his government would not send back the tens of thousands of Venezuelans who have sought refuge in Brazil from the economic breakdown in their leftist-ruled homeland.

The Venezuelan immigrants "are not merchandise or some product that can be returned," he said after attending a military anniversary ceremony.

His comments followed a suggestion by the governor-elect of the state of Roraima that a "return program" be developed to deal with the influx of migrants that have poured into the poor border state from Venezuela.

Bolsonaro said the Venezuelans "are fleeing a dictatorship supported by the PT, Lula and Dilma, and we can't leave them to their fate."

Bolsonaro, who takes office in January, was referring to former presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff, who had close ties to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez.

"Venezuela cannot be treated as a democratic country," he said.

The United Nations says at least 2.3 million people have fled Venezuela's economic and political crisis since 2015.

More than 100,000 have entered Brazil over the past three years, with three quarters of them requesting immigration papers from Roraima's state government.

The Brazilian government has allowed them to enter, but has ordered the military to step up security in the area.

President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Saturday his government would not send back the tens of thousands of Venezuelans who have sought refuge in Brazil from the economic breakdown in their leftist-ruled homeland.

President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Saturday his government would not send back the tens of thousands of Venezuelans who have sought refuge in Brazil from the economic breakdown in their leftist-ruled homeland. The Venezuelan immigrants "are not merchandise or some product that can be returned," he said after attending a military anniversary ceremony. His comments followed a suggestion by the governor-elect of the state of Roraima that a "return program" be developed to deal with the influx of migrants that have poured into the poor border state from Venezuela. Bolsonaro said the Venezuelans "are fleeing a dictatorship supported by the PT, Lula and Dilma, and we can't leave them to their fate." Bolsonaro, who takes office in January, was referring to former presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff, who had close ties to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez. "Venezuela cannot be treated as a democratic country," he said. The United Nations says at least 2.3 million people have fled Venezuela's economic and political crisis since 2015. More than 100,000 have entered Brazil over the past three years, with three quarters of them requesting immigration papers from Roraima's state government. The Brazilian government has allowed them to enter, but has ordered the military to step up security in the area.

Brazil's Bolsonaro rules out sending back Venezuelan migrants

Brazil's far-right president-elect has convinced crusading anti-graft judge Sergio Moro to become his justice minister, the two said on Thursday, delighting his supporters and enraging critics by hiring the jurist who jailed his chief political rival.

Moro oversaw the so-called 'Operation Car Wash' probe that convicted former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of bribery and money laundering, blocking the then poll-leader from running against Jair Bolsonaro.

A telegenic 46-year-old who has previously dismissed any political ambitions, Moro flew to Bolsonaro's beachside Rio de Janeiro home on Thursday, where he met with Brazil's next president for about an hour before both announced the decision.

The president-elect scores a clear political victory with the appointment of Moro, who gained a cult following in Brazil after he locked up a string of politicians and businessmen in the country's biggest-ever graft investigation.

But the decision also gives ammunition to his opponents, who have long argued that the 'Car Wash' probe was a politicized purge aimed at sidelining Lula and his leftist Workers Party (PT).

Brazil's far-right president-elect has convinced crusading anti-graft judge Sergio Moro to become his justice minister, the two said on Thursday, delighting his supporters and enraging critics by hiring the jurist who jailed his chief political rival.

Brazil's far-right president-elect has convinced crusading anti-graft judge Sergio Moro to become his justice minister, the two said on Thursday, delighting his supporters and enraging critics by hiring the jurist who jailed his chief political rival. Moro oversaw the so-called 'Operation Car Wash' probe that convicted former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of bribery and money laundering, blocking the then poll-leader from running against Jair Bolsonaro. A telegenic 46-year-old who has previously dismissed any political ambitions, Moro flew to Bolsonaro's beachside Rio de Janeiro home on Thursday, where he met with Brazil's next president for about an hour before both announced the decision. The president-elect scores a clear political victory with the appointment of Moro, who gained a cult following in Brazil after he locked up a string of politicians and businessmen in the country's biggest-ever graft investigation. But the decision also gives ammunition to his opponents, who have long argued that the 'Car Wash' probe was a politicized purge aimed at sidelining Lula and his leftist Workers Party (PT).

Brazil's Bolsonaro names judge who jailed his rival as justice minister

The judge who has upended Brazilian politics with a sweeping corruption investigation, Sergio Moro, accepted an offer Thursday from far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to be his justice minister.

Bolsonaro publicly offered him the post after being swept to the presidency Sunday on a wave of anti-establishment anger fueled partly by Moro's probe into the large-scale looting of state oil company Petrobras.

Moro flew to Rio de Janeiro on Thursday for a meeting with the hardline conservative. It ended with him accepting the offer to head a "super ministry" combining the justice and public security portfolios, both men said.

The move will likely fuel accusations that Moro's so-called "Car Wash" probe has been politically motivated and disproportionately targeted left-wing politicians -- especially ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whom polls showed would have beaten Bolsonaro had he not been serving a 12-year corruption sentence.

"Federal judge Sergio Moro has accepted our invitation to be minister of justice and public security. His anti-corruption, anti-organized crime agenda and his respect for the constitution and the law will be our compass!" Bolsonaro tweeted.

Moro confirmed in a statement that he had "accepted the invitation as an honor."

"In practice, this will mean consolidating the advances we have made against crime and corruption in recent years and fending off the risk of a backslide, for the greater good," he said.

Corruption dragnet

Since it was launched in 2014, Moro's investigation has taken out a Who's Who of politicians and executives who colluded to pump billions of dollars from Petrobras into their own pockets or the coffers of their political parties.

Although politicians of all stripes have fallen, Moro has been accused of being particularly merciless on the left -- especially Lula, Brazil's president from 2003 to 2010.

Moro sentenced Lula -- a hugely divisive but enduringly popular figure -- to jail for taking bribes from a Petrobras contractor.

Lula tried to stage a presidential come-back in this year's elections, but the courts barred his candidacy.

His substitute, former Sao Paulo mayor Fernando Haddad, lost to Bolsonaro in the run-off election, 55 percent to 45 percent.

In a country left polarized by the election, Bolsonaro and Moro are both divisive figures, too.

The president-elect has outraged many Brazilians with his derogatory remarks against women, gays and blacks, and his outspoken admiration for Brazil's brutal military dictatorship (1964-1985).

Moro meanwhile is a hero to some for his crusade against endemic graft -- but condemned by others as a politically motivated opportunist who may have changed the destiny of Latin America's largest country.

The judge who has upended Brazilian politics with a sweeping corruption investigation, Sergio Moro, accepted an offer Thursday from far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to be his justice minister.

The judge who has upended Brazilian politics with a sweeping corruption investigation, Sergio Moro, accepted an offer Thursday from far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to be his justice minister. Bolsonaro publicly offered him the post after being swept to the presidency Sunday on a wave of anti-establishment anger fueled partly by Moro's probe into the large-scale looting of state oil company Petrobras. Moro flew to Rio de Janeiro on Thursday for a meeting with the hardline conservative. It ended with him accepting the offer to head a "super ministry" combining the justice and public security portfolios, both men said. The move will likely fuel accusations that Moro's so-called "Car Wash" probe has been politically motivated and disproportionately targeted left-wing politicians -- especially ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whom polls showed would have beaten Bolsonaro had he not been serving a 12-year corruption sentence. "Federal judge Sergio Moro has accepted our invitation to be minister of justice and public security. His anti-corruption, anti-organized crime agenda and his respect for the constitution and the law will be our compass!" Bolsonaro tweeted. Moro confirmed in a statement that he had "accepted the invitation as an honor." "In practice, this will mean consolidating the advances we have made against crime and corruption in recent years and fending off the risk of a backslide, for the greater good," he said. Corruption dragnet Since it was launched in 2014, Moro's investigation has taken out a Who's Who of politicians and executives who colluded to pump billions of dollars from Petrobras into their own pockets or the coffers of their political parties. Although politicians of all stripes have fallen, Moro has been accused of being particularly merciless on the left -- especially Lula, Brazil's president from 2003 to 2010. Moro sentenced Lula -- a hugely divisive but enduringly popular figure -- to jail for taking bribes from a Petrobras contractor. Lula tried to stage a presidential come-back in this year's elections, but the courts barred his candidacy. His substitute, former Sao Paulo mayor Fernando Haddad, lost to Bolsonaro in the run-off election, 55 percent to 45 percent. In a country left polarized by the election, Bolsonaro and Moro are both divisive figures, too. The president-elect has outraged many Brazilians with his derogatory remarks against women, gays and blacks, and his outspoken admiration for Brazil's brutal military dictatorship (1964-1985). Moro meanwhile is a hero to some for his crusade against endemic graft -- but condemned by others as a politically motivated opportunist who may have changed the destiny of Latin America's largest country.

Brazil's crusading judge Moro to be justice minister

As a result of the former president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva being unable to run as a candidate, a right-wing&nbsppolitician Jair Bolsanaro and environmentalist Marina Silva could be a leading candidate in Brazil's upcoming presidential elections, an&nbspopinion poll said.

According to an opinion poll by Datafolha showed that if he was imprisoned right now then it would have been him leading the race.

Lula still on the ballot, the former president had 30 per cent of voting intentions.

Lula's conviction has left&nbspBrazil's presidential race wide open.

In various scenarios around candidate composition provided by the poll showed Jair Bolsonaro got 17 per cent of voting&nbspintention as compared to Marina's 15 per cent.

A situation of tied position can also come up as both leaders had a margin of just two per cent.&nbsp

A recent addition to Brazil's socialist party PSB,&nbspleftist Ciro Gomes and former Supreme Court justice Joaquim Barbosa came at third place with 9% each.

However, the current president Michel Temer and former Finance minister Henrique Meirelles received only 1-2% votes.

Currently serving his 12-years of the jail sentence, Lula is likely to be unable to contest in an upcoming election as the Supreme Court found Lula guilty of corruption.

On Wednesday Brazil Supreme Court delayed a debate of changing a law that could have led to release of Brazil leftist icon.

The debate has been delayed for five days after right-wing party PEN filed a petition.

Brazil will hold general elections in October to choose a President, governors for 26 states and the federal district and members of both houses of Congress.

&nbsp

As a result of the former president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva being unable to run as a candidate, a right-wing politician Jair Bolsanaro and environmentalist Marina Silva could be a leading candidate in Brazil's upcoming presidential elections, an opinion poll said

As a result of the former president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva being unable to run as a candidate, a right-wing&nbsppolitician Jair Bolsanaro and environmentalist Marina Silva could be a leading candidate in Brazil's upcoming presidential elections, an&nbspopinion poll said. According to an opinion poll by Datafolha showed that if he was imprisoned right now then it would have been him leading the race. Lula still on the ballot, the former president had 30 per cent of voting intentions. Lula's conviction has left&nbspBrazil's presidential race wide open. In various scenarios around candidate composition provided by the poll showed Jair Bolsonaro got 17 per cent of voting&nbspintention as compared to Marina's 15 per cent. A situation of tied position can also come up as both leaders had a margin of just two per cent. A recent addition to Brazil's socialist party PSB,&nbspleftist Ciro Gomes and former Supreme Court justice Joaquim Barbosa came at third place with 9% each. However, the current president Michel Temer and former Finance minister Henrique Meirelles received only 1-2% votes. Currently serving his 12-years of the jail sentence, Lula is likely to be unable to contest in an upcoming election as the Supreme Court found Lula guilty of corruption. On Wednesday Brazil Supreme Court delayed a debate of changing a law that could have led to release of Brazil leftist icon. The debate has been delayed for five days after right-wing party PEN filed a petition. Brazil will hold general elections in October to choose a President, governors for 26 states and the federal district and members of both houses of Congress.

Without Lula, right-wing and green candidates lead Brazil's presidential race: Poll

Brazil's election frontrunner and leftist icon Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva turned himself in Saturday to start a 12-year sentence for corruption after a chaotic attempt by supporters to stop him from surrendering.

Surrounded by bodyguards, Lula had to push through a seething throng of supporters to get into a police vehicle outside the metalworkers' union building in Sao Bernardo do Campo, where he had been holed up for two days and nights.

Earlier, the same crowd had mobbed his car and forced him to retreat when he attempted to drive out. "Don't surrender! Stay here Lula!" they chanted.

Finally in custody, the 72-year-old was driven under escort to Sao Paulo police headquarters for a medical exam.

He was then flying by jet to the southern city of Curitiba, base for Brazil's gigantic "Car Wash" anti-corruption operation.

A jail cell with special conditions, including a hot private shower and toilet, awaited him.

The arrest ended four straight days of at times surreal drama as Lula -- president from 2003-2010 and once one of the world's most popular politicians -- tried to resist.

After his arrest, there were reports of fireworks and cheering in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other cities among those who long considered Lula responsible for the tide of graft sweeping over Brazilian politics.

However, his supporters had tears at the exit of a man they remember for removing tens of millions of people from poverty and for connected with voters in a way few, if any, other modern Brazilian politicians have managed.

Despite his many legal problems, Lula remains the easy frontrunner ahead of October presidential elections and if he is unable to compete, as expected, the race will be thrown wide open.

Emotional end game

Lula was found guilty last year of taking a luxury apartment as a bribe from a construction company.&nbsp

He had been ordered to surrender to police by Friday but defiantly missed the deadline while shut up in the union building in Sao Bernardo do Campo.

In emotional scenes earlier Saturday, he emerged from the building to address the several thousand diehard supporters from his Workers' Party and other leftist organizations who had vowed to shield him from police.

In an hourlong speech, Lula called himself "an outraged citizen" over his conviction, saying that Brazil's top anti-corruption judge, Sergio Moro, "lied" about him being given the apartment by a big construction firm as a kickback.

"I am the only human being to be put on trial for an apartment that does not belong to me," he said.

Lula accused the judiciary and Brazil's most powerful media conglomerate of assisting a right-wing coup with the ultimate aim of preventing him from competing in the race.

"They don't want me to take part," he said. "Their obsession is to get a photo of Lula as a prisoner."

But, crucially, Lula said he would drop his dramatic show of resistance and comply with the arrest warrant.

After the speech, Lula was lifted onto the shoulders of supporters who chanted, "I am Lula."&nbsp

Feverish drama

Lula also faces multiple other court cases and is considered the biggest scalp so far for prosecutors at the "Car Wash" probe -- an unraveling of systemic bribery and embezzlement at the top echelons of Brazilian politics.

But he is also an outsized figure in recent Brazilian history and revered around the world among leftists. While president, he managed to build bridges with the center and oversaw a booming economy.

Ever since Wednesday, Lula and his supporters tried everything to delay the start of his prison sentence, battling everywhere from the Supreme Court to the streets.

The feverish political drama -- &nbspblending Lula's charismatic political style, the epic struggle against graft, and the fate of the October elections -- gripped Latin America's biggest nation.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was found guilty last year of taking a luxury apartment as a bribe from a construction company

Brazil's election frontrunner and leftist icon Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva turned himself in Saturday to start a 12-year sentence for corruption after a chaotic attempt by supporters to stop him from surrendering. Surrounded by bodyguards, Lula had to push through a seething throng of supporters to get into a police vehicle outside the metalworkers' union building in Sao Bernardo do Campo, where he had been holed up for two days and nights. Earlier, the same crowd had mobbed his car and forced him to retreat when he attempted to drive out. "Don't surrender! Stay here Lula!" they chanted. Finally in custody, the 72-year-old was driven under escort to Sao Paulo police headquarters for a medical exam. He was then flying by jet to the southern city of Curitiba, base for Brazil's gigantic "Car Wash" anti-corruption operation. A jail cell with special conditions, including a hot private shower and toilet, awaited him. The arrest ended four straight days of at times surreal drama as Lula -- president from 2003-2010 and once one of the world's most popular politicians -- tried to resist. After his arrest, there were reports of fireworks and cheering in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other cities among those who long considered Lula responsible for the tide of graft sweeping over Brazilian politics. However, his supporters had tears at the exit of a man they remember for removing tens of millions of people from poverty and for connected with voters in a way few, if any, other modern Brazilian politicians have managed. Despite his many legal problems, Lula remains the easy frontrunner ahead of October presidential elections and if he is unable to compete, as expected, the race will be thrown wide open. Emotional end game Lula was found guilty last year of taking a luxury apartment as a bribe from a construction company. He had been ordered to surrender to police by Friday but defiantly missed the deadline while shut up in the union building in Sao Bernardo do Campo. In emotional scenes earlier Saturday, he emerged from the building to address the several thousand diehard supporters from his Workers' Party and other leftist organizations who had vowed to shield him from police. In an hourlong speech, Lula called himself "an outraged citizen" over his conviction, saying that Brazil's top anti-corruption judge, Sergio Moro, "lied" about him being given the apartment by a big construction firm as a kickback. "I am the only human being to be put on trial for an apartment that does not belong to me," he said. Lula accused the judiciary and Brazil's most powerful media conglomerate of assisting a right-wing coup with the ultimate aim of preventing him from competing in the race. "They don't want me to take part," he said. "Their obsession is to get a photo of Lula as a prisoner." But, crucially, Lula said he would drop his dramatic show of resistance and comply with the arrest warrant. After the speech, Lula was lifted onto the shoulders of supporters who chanted, "I am Lula." Feverish drama Lula also faces multiple other court cases and is considered the biggest scalp so far for prosecutors at the "Car Wash" probe -- an unraveling of systemic bribery and embezzlement at the top echelons of Brazilian politics. But he is also an outsized figure in recent Brazilian history and revered around the world among leftists. While president, he managed to build bridges with the center and oversaw a booming economy. Ever since Wednesday, Lula and his supporters tried everything to delay the start of his prison sentence, battling everywhere from the Supreme Court to the streets. The feverish political drama -- &nbspblending Lula's charismatic political style, the epic struggle against graft, and the fate of the October elections -- gripped Latin America's biggest nation.

Brazil's Lula surrenders to serve prison sentence

Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived at Curitiba prison to start his 12-year sentence&nbsp;on charges of corruption after a standoff with police.

The leftist icon is a frontrunner in polls ahead of October's presidential election despite the corruption scandal.

Lula surrendered on late Saturday after a long standoff with the authorities in Sao Bernardo do Campo, near Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Surrounded by thousands of supporters at the metalworkers' union building in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Lula had ignored court orders to turn himself in by Friday.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;on Saturday, he decided surrender he was blocked by his own supporters causing chaos on streets as the supporters raised slogans like "don't surrender, stay here Lula!'.

The jail in which he will be kept reportedly has special conditions made available for him by authorities.&nbsp;

Though mostly jails in Brazil are overcrowded and violent, Lula's jail includes facilities like hot private shower and toilet.

After his arrest, fireworks and cheering broke out in parts of Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other cities among those who long considered Lula responsible for the tide of graft sweeping over Brazilian politics.

Supporters cried openly at the exit of a man they remember for removing tens of millions of people from poverty and for connected with voters in a way few, if any, other modern Brazilian politicians have managed.

An outsized figure in recent Brazilian history and revered around the world among leftists, Lula managed to cross political divides while the president and oversaw a booming economy.

With him almost certainly knocked out of the presidential election, the race is likely to be thrown wide open. In polls, Lula currently scores more than double his nearest rivals.

Brazil's president for two terms from 2003-2010, Lula was found guilty of taking a luxury apartment as bribe from a construction company.

He said that Brazil's top anti-corruption judge, Sergio Moro, "lied" about him being given the apartment by a big construction firm as a kickback.

"I am the only human being to be put on trial for an apartment that does not belong to me," he said.

Lula accused the judiciary and Brazil's most powerful media conglomerate of assisting a right-wing coup with the ultimate aim of preventing him from competing in the race.

"They don't want me to take part," he said. "Their obsession is to get a photo of Lula as a prisoner."

But, crucially, Lula said he would drop his dramatic show of resistance and comply with the arrest warrant.

After the speech, Lula was lifted onto the shoulders of supporters who chanted, "I am Lula."&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The leftist icon Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is a frontrunner in polls ahead of October's presidential election despite the corruption scandal that led to the jail term

Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived at Curitiba prison to start his 12-year sentence on charges of corruption after a standoff with police. The leftist icon is a frontrunner in polls ahead of October's presidential election despite the corruption scandal. Lula surrendered on late Saturday after a long standoff with the authorities in Sao Bernardo do Campo, near Sao Paulo, Brazil. Surrounded by thousands of supporters at the metalworkers' union building in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Lula had ignored court orders to turn himself in by Friday. But on Saturday, he decided surrender he was blocked by his own supporters causing chaos on streets as the supporters raised slogans like "don't surrender, stay here Lula!'. The jail in which he will be kept reportedly has special conditions made available for him by authorities. Though mostly jails in Brazil are overcrowded and violent, Lula's jail includes facilities like hot private shower and toilet. After his arrest, fireworks and cheering broke out in parts of Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other cities among those who long considered Lula responsible for the tide of graft sweeping over Brazilian politics. Supporters cried openly at the exit of a man they remember for removing tens of millions of people from poverty and for connected with voters in a way few, if any, other modern Brazilian politicians have managed. An outsized figure in recent Brazilian history and revered around the world among leftists, Lula managed to cross political divides while the president and oversaw a booming economy. With him almost certainly knocked out of the presidential election, the race is likely to be thrown wide open. In polls, Lula currently scores more than double his nearest rivals. Brazil's president for two terms from 2003-2010, Lula was found guilty of taking a luxury apartment as bribe from a construction company. He said that Brazil's top anti-corruption judge, Sergio Moro, "lied" about him being given the apartment by a big construction firm as a kickback. "I am the only human being to be put on trial for an apartment that does not belong to me," he said. Lula accused the judiciary and Brazil's most powerful media conglomerate of assisting a right-wing coup with the ultimate aim of preventing him from competing in the race. "They don't want me to take part," he said. "Their obsession is to get a photo of Lula as a prisoner." But, crucially, Lula said he would drop his dramatic show of resistance and comply with the arrest warrant. After the speech, Lula was lifted onto the shoulders of supporters who chanted, "I am Lula." (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil's Lula reaches prison to serve 12-year sentence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-lula-defies-prison-order-creating-standoff-128823">Brazil's Lula defies prison order, creating standoff</a>

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defied a judge's order to turn himself into police on Friday and start serving a 12-year prison sentence for bribery that would likely end his hopes of regaining the presidency.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/blackbuck-poaching-case-salmans-bail-likely-to-get-delayed--128821">Blackbuck poaching case: Salman's bail hearing likely to get delayed</a>

Bollywood actor Salman Khan may have to spend a few more nights in jail as the District and Sessions Judge, who was scheduled to hear the actor's bail plea in blackbuck poaching case has been transferred by the Rajasthan High Court.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/weightlifter-sathish-claims-second-successive-cwg-gold-128840">Weightlifter Sathish claims second successive CWG gold</a>

Defending champion weightlifter Sathish Sivalingam (77kg) claimed India's third gold medal in the Commonwealth Games, coming out tops comfortably on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/schwarzenegger-back-home-after-heart-surgery-spokesman-128824">Schwarzenegger back home after heart surgery: Spokesman</a>

Action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger is back home in Los Angeles and in good spirits after undergoing open heart surgery following complications with a routine operation, his spokesman said on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wall-street-ends-down-2-percent-as-us-china-trade-fears-intensify-128830">Wall Street ends down 2 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wall-street-ends-down-2-percent-as-us-china-trade-fears-intensify-128830">per cent</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wall-street-ends-down-2-percent-as-us-china-trade-fears-intensify-128830"> as US-China trade fears intensify</a>

US stocks dropped about 2 per cent on Friday, with the Dow falling more than 570 points, as US President Donald Trump's latest tariff threat on Chinese imports fuelled increasing concern over a US trade war with China. 
&nbsp;

Brazil's Lula defies prison order, creating standoff Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defied a judge's order to turn himself into police on Friday and start serving a 12-year prison sentence for bribery that would likely end his hopes of regaining the presidency. Blackbuck poaching case: Salman's bail hearing likely to get delayed Bollywood actor Salman Khan may have to spend a few more nights in jail as the District and Sessions Judge, who was scheduled to hear the actor's bail plea in blackbuck poaching case has been transferred by the Rajasthan High Court. Weightlifter Sathish claims second successive CWG gold Defending champion weightlifter Sathish Sivalingam (77kg) claimed India's third gold medal in the Commonwealth Games, coming out tops comfortably on Saturday. Schwarzenegger back home after heart surgery: Spokesman Action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger is back home in Los Angeles and in good spirits after undergoing open heart surgery following complications with a routine operation, his spokesman said on Friday. Wall Street ends down 2 per cent as US-China trade fears intensify US stocks dropped about 2 per cent on Friday, with the Dow falling more than 570 points, as US President Donald Trump's latest tariff threat on Chinese imports fuelled increasing concern over a US trade war with China.

News brief: Big five stories of the day

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defied a judge's order to turn himself into police on Friday and start serving a 12-year prison sentence for bribery that would likely end his hopes of regaining the presidency.

Lula remained holed up inside the headquarters of a steelworkers union in metropolitan Sao Paulo, surrounded by hundreds of fervent supporters, creating a standoff expected to stretch into the weekend.

Talks between Lula's aides and federal police to arrange his surrender were ongoing on Friday evening, according to two people familiar with the matter. One of the sources, who requested anonymity, said he would not be taken into custody before Saturday.

Workers Party leader Gleisi Hoffmann said Lula would take part in a Saturday morning mass at the union headquarters to commemorate the birthday of his late wife Marisa. Hoffmann denied reports that he was negotiating his surrender.

Federal police in Sao Paulo declined to say if they would attempt to forcibly take the former president into custody, a move that could trigger intense clashes with his supporters.

Lula's legal team filed a late Friday petition with the Supreme Court to quash the prison order, after losing a last-minute plea to an appeals court. The lawyers argued they had not exhausted procedural appeals and painted the case as an effort to remove Lula from the presidential race he is leading.

Hundreds of supporters, including workers, students, and land rights activists, filled the street outside the union headquarters, cheering defiant speeches calling the case a political witch hunt. A banner hung from the building showed Lula's smiling face on an electronic voting machine.

"We are here to show that the workers will resist this attack against democracy," said union leader Jorge Nazareno.

Lula himself had not addressed the crowd nearly 24 hours after arriving at the building but briefly appeared at a window to wave.

The same steelworkers union in Sao Paulo's industrial suburbs where 72-year-old Lula sought refuge served as the launch pad for his political career nearly four decades ago, when he led nationwide strikes that helped to end Brazil's 1964-85 military government.

Lula's everyman style and unvarnished speeches electrified masses long governed by the elite and eventually won him two terms as president, from 2003 to 2011, when he oversaw robust economic growth and falling inequality amid a commodities boom.

He left office with the sky-high approval of 83 percent and was called "the most popular politician on Earth" by former US&nbspPresident Barack Obama.

Lula's downfall has been as stunning as the unprecedented corruption probes that have convulsed Brazil for the last four years, jailing dozens of politicians and business leaders long considered above the law.

The fall

Federal Judge Sergio Moro, who has handled the bulk of cases in Brazil's biggest-ever graft investigation and issued Lula's prison order, wrote that he should not be handcuffed and would have a special cell in Curitiba, where he stood trial.

Lula was convicted last year for taking bribes from an engineering firm in return for help landing contracts with state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA.

Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Lula's plea to remain free until he exhausts all his appeals, clearing the way for his imprisonment.

The ruling likely ends his political career and blows October's election wide open, leaving Brazil's left without an obvious candidate to regain power following the unpopular current president, Michel Temer.

Under Brazilian electoral law, a candidate is forbidden from running for office for eight years after being found guilty of a crime. Rare exceptions have been made in the past, and the final decision would be made by the top electoral court if and when Lula officially files to be a candidate.

With Lula out the race, the chances would increase of a market-friendly candidate winning the election, according to analysts and political foes.

But Cassio Goncalves, a labour safety specialist at the union headquarters, said he and fellow members of the Workers Party had not considered alternatives in the presidential race.

"We have no other plan," he said. "Plan A, B, and C is Lula, because he is innocent. He will be our president."

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defied a judge's order to turn himself into police on Friday and start serving a 12-year prison sentence for bribery that would likely end his hopes of regaining the presidency

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defied a judge's order to turn himself into police on Friday and start serving a 12-year prison sentence for bribery that would likely end his hopes of regaining the presidency. Lula remained holed up inside the headquarters of a steelworkers union in metropolitan Sao Paulo, surrounded by hundreds of fervent supporters, creating a standoff expected to stretch into the weekend. Talks between Lula's aides and federal police to arrange his surrender were ongoing on Friday evening, according to two people familiar with the matter. One of the sources, who requested anonymity, said he would not be taken into custody before Saturday. Workers Party leader Gleisi Hoffmann said Lula would take part in a Saturday morning mass at the union headquarters to commemorate the birthday of his late wife Marisa. Hoffmann denied reports that he was negotiating his surrender. Federal police in Sao Paulo declined to say if they would attempt to forcibly take the former president into custody, a move that could trigger intense clashes with his supporters. Lula's legal team filed a late Friday petition with the Supreme Court to quash the prison order, after losing a last-minute plea to an appeals court. The lawyers argued they had not exhausted procedural appeals and painted the case as an effort to remove Lula from the presidential race he is leading. Hundreds of supporters, including workers, students, and land rights activists, filled the street outside the union headquarters, cheering defiant speeches calling the case a political witch hunt. A banner hung from the building showed Lula's smiling face on an electronic voting machine. "We are here to show that the workers will resist this attack against democracy," said union leader Jorge Nazareno. Lula himself had not addressed the crowd nearly 24 hours after arriving at the building but briefly appeared at a window to wave. The same steelworkers union in Sao Paulo's industrial suburbs where 72-year-old Lula sought refuge served as the launch pad for his political career nearly four decades ago, when he led nationwide strikes that helped to end Brazil's 1964-85 military government. Lula's everyman style and unvarnished speeches electrified masses long governed by the elite and eventually won him two terms as president, from 2003 to 2011, when he oversaw robust economic growth and falling inequality amid a commodities boom. He left office with the sky-high approval of 83 percent and was called "the most popular politician on Earth" by former US&nbspPresident Barack Obama. Lula's downfall has been as stunning as the unprecedented corruption probes that have convulsed Brazil for the last four years, jailing dozens of politicians and business leaders long considered above the law. The fall Federal Judge Sergio Moro, who has handled the bulk of cases in Brazil's biggest-ever graft investigation and issued Lula's prison order, wrote that he should not be handcuffed and would have a special cell in Curitiba, where he stood trial. Lula was convicted last year for taking bribes from an engineering firm in return for help landing contracts with state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA. Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Lula's plea to remain free until he exhausts all his appeals, clearing the way for his imprisonment. The ruling likely ends his political career and blows October's election wide open, leaving Brazil's left without an obvious candidate to regain power following the unpopular current president, Michel Temer. Under Brazilian electoral law, a candidate is forbidden from running for office for eight years after being found guilty of a crime. Rare exceptions have been made in the past, and the final decision would be made by the top electoral court if and when Lula officially files to be a candidate. With Lula out the race, the chances would increase of a market-friendly candidate winning the election, according to analysts and political foes. But Cassio Goncalves, a labour safety specialist at the union headquarters, said he and fellow members of the Workers Party had not considered alternatives in the presidential race. "We have no other plan," he said. "Plan A, B, and C is Lula, because he is innocent. He will be our president."

Brazil's Lula defies prison order, creating standoff

Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a frontrunner in Brazil's October presidential elections, was given 24 hours Thursday to surrender to police and start a 12-year prison sentence for corruption.

The timing of the order from Judge Sergio Moro, head of Brazil's huge "Car Wash" anti-graft probe, took Lula's lawyers by complete surprise. They had been expecting to use legal manoeuvres to delay the start of prison at least until next week.

In his first public reaction, Lula, who was once among the planet's most popular politicians, called the abrupt order "absurd," CBN radio reported.

Lula, 72, easily leads polls in Brazil's presidential race and his apparent downfall will throw the contest completely open. Currently, hard-right former army officer Jair Bolsonaro, who openly praises Brazil's 1964-1985 dictatorship, is in second place.

Moro's order said that in view of Lula's stature as a former president, he would have "the opportunity to present himself voluntarily" to police in the city of Curitiba, where the "Car Wash" probe is based, by 5:00 pm (2000 GMT) Friday.

A special cell "was prepared in advance... in which the ex-president will be separated from other prisoners, with no risk for his moral or physical integrity," Moro wrote.

Lula posted a video on Facebook of himself waving from a window to cheering supporters in the street. It was not clear if he would be making any public address.

At the metal workers union offices in Lula's hometown Sao Bernardo do Campo, a suburb of Sao Paulo, Lula backers were furious.

Reflecting leftists' hostility to what they say is a right-leaning media in Brazil, some attacked journalists at the metal workers' offices with eggs and ice cubes, an AFP photographer said.&nbsp

In the capital Brasilia, a car carrying journalists from Correio Braziliense had its windows broken in an attack by a mob outside a trade union headquarters, the newspaper said.

Senator Lindbergh Farias, from Lula's Workers' Party, called for supporters to flock to the embattled leader on Friday. "Moro ordered prison for Lula. Everyone to Sao Bernardo tomorrow from 5:00 am in front of Lula's house!" he tweeted.

Court ruling

Lula was convicted last year of receiving a seaside apartment as a bribe from a construction company. A lower court appeal failed this January.

On Wednesday, Lula petitioned to the Supreme Court to be allowed to remain free while pursuing appeals in higher courts. But the Supreme Court judges ruled 6-5 in a marathon session that under the law, Lula must begin his sentence after having lost that first appeal.

Brazil's left sees Lula's imminent imprisonment as a plot to prevent the Workers' Party from returning to power. Party leader Gleisi Hoffmann said the Supreme Court's failure to protect Lula violated "constitutional law and the presumption of innocence" and made Brazil "look like a little banana republic."

However, there were celebrations on the right and among prosecutors supporting the epic "Car Wash" probe, which has revealed high-level corruption throughout Brazilian business and politics over the last four years.

To them, Lula epitomizes Brazil's corruption-riddled elite. His conviction is "Car Wash's"&nbspbiggest scalp by far.

Operation "Car Wash" was named after the service station where agents initially investigated a minor money laundering scheme in 2014, before realizing that they'd stumbled on a gargantuan web of embezzlement and bribery at state oil company Petrobras and right through the political classes.&nbsp

Campaign from behind bars?

Lula, who grew up poor and with little formal education before becoming a trade union leader and politician, says he will go down fighting. When he left office after serving two terms in 2011, he had some of the highest approval ratings of any leader in the world.

Analysts say that his election hopes have now been dealt a body blow. But he is not necessarily knocked out.

In theory, once someone has been convicted and lost their lower court appeal, they are barred from running for office under Brazil's clean slate law. But the issue will not be decided for months.

Lula has until mid-August to register his candidacy and only after that will the Superior Electoral Tribunal rule on whether his candidacy is valid.

Even if he were barred, as seems likely, he would have an opportunity during that period to exercise influence on his followers, possibly preparing the way for a replacement candidate.

In the latest election polling, Lula scores more than 30 per cent, with his nearest rivals in a crowded field, including Bolsonaro, getting only around half that.

Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a frontrunner in Brazil's October presidential elections, was given 24 hours Thursday to surrender to police and start a 12-year prison sentence for corruption

Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a frontrunner in Brazil's October presidential elections, was given 24 hours Thursday to surrender to police and start a 12-year prison sentence for corruption. The timing of the order from Judge Sergio Moro, head of Brazil's huge "Car Wash" anti-graft probe, took Lula's lawyers by complete surprise. They had been expecting to use legal manoeuvres to delay the start of prison at least until next week. In his first public reaction, Lula, who was once among the planet's most popular politicians, called the abrupt order "absurd," CBN radio reported. Lula, 72, easily leads polls in Brazil's presidential race and his apparent downfall will throw the contest completely open. Currently, hard-right former army officer Jair Bolsonaro, who openly praises Brazil's 1964-1985 dictatorship, is in second place. Moro's order said that in view of Lula's stature as a former president, he would have "the opportunity to present himself voluntarily" to police in the city of Curitiba, where the "Car Wash" probe is based, by 5:00 pm (2000 GMT) Friday. A special cell "was prepared in advance... in which the ex-president will be separated from other prisoners, with no risk for his moral or physical integrity," Moro wrote. Lula posted a video on Facebook of himself waving from a window to cheering supporters in the street. It was not clear if he would be making any public address. At the metal workers union offices in Lula's hometown Sao Bernardo do Campo, a suburb of Sao Paulo, Lula backers were furious. Reflecting leftists' hostility to what they say is a right-leaning media in Brazil, some attacked journalists at the metal workers' offices with eggs and ice cubes, an AFP photographer said. In the capital Brasilia, a car carrying journalists from Correio Braziliense had its windows broken in an attack by a mob outside a trade union headquarters, the newspaper said. Senator Lindbergh Farias, from Lula's Workers' Party, called for supporters to flock to the embattled leader on Friday. "Moro ordered prison for Lula. Everyone to Sao Bernardo tomorrow from 5:00 am in front of Lula's house!" he tweeted. Court ruling Lula was convicted last year of receiving a seaside apartment as a bribe from a construction company. A lower court appeal failed this January. On Wednesday, Lula petitioned to the Supreme Court to be allowed to remain free while pursuing appeals in higher courts. But the Supreme Court judges ruled 6-5 in a marathon session that under the law, Lula must begin his sentence after having lost that first appeal. Brazil's left sees Lula's imminent imprisonment as a plot to prevent the Workers' Party from returning to power. Party leader Gleisi Hoffmann said the Supreme Court's failure to protect Lula violated "constitutional law and the presumption of innocence" and made Brazil "look like a little banana republic." However, there were celebrations on the right and among prosecutors supporting the epic "Car Wash" probe, which has revealed high-level corruption throughout Brazilian business and politics over the last four years. To them, Lula epitomizes Brazil's corruption-riddled elite. His conviction is "Car Wash's"&nbspbiggest scalp by far. Operation "Car Wash" was named after the service station where agents initially investigated a minor money laundering scheme in 2014, before realizing that they'd stumbled on a gargantuan web of embezzlement and bribery at state oil company Petrobras and right through the political classes. Campaign from behind bars? Lula, who grew up poor and with little formal education before becoming a trade union leader and politician, says he will go down fighting. When he left office after serving two terms in 2011, he had some of the highest approval ratings of any leader in the world. Analysts say that his election hopes have now been dealt a body blow. But he is not necessarily knocked out. In theory, once someone has been convicted and lost their lower court appeal, they are barred from running for office under Brazil's clean slate law. But the issue will not be decided for months. Lula has until mid-August to register his candidacy and only after that will the Superior Electoral Tribunal rule on whether his candidacy is valid. Even if he were barred, as seems likely, he would have an opportunity during that period to exercise influence on his followers, possibly preparing the way for a replacement candidate. In the latest election polling, Lula scores more than 30 per cent, with his nearest rivals in a crowded field, including Bolsonaro, getting only around half that.

Brazil's Lula given 24 hours to start prison sentence

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was on the verge of going to prison Thursday after the Supreme Court rejected his bid to delay a 12-year sentence for corruption in a ruling that split the country and upended this year's election.

Following the court's narrow decision against allowing Lula to remain free pending new appeals, it was expected that Brazil’s chief anti-corruption judge, Sergio Moro, would soon issue an order for the two-term former president to be incarcerated.

It remained unclear exactly when this would take place. But legal experts said it would be no more than a few days away, possibly early next week.

The 11 judges deliberated for more than 10 hours from Wednesday into Thursday on Lula's request to avoid going to prison while he mounts fresh appeals. At 5-5, it was court president Carmen Lucia who cast the tie-breaker, saying that postponing serving of sentences "could lead to impunity."

Broadcast live on television, the drama left Brazilians as divided as the judges themselves, and raised questions over the state of the country's democracy after the top army general appeared to urge prison for the 72-year-old founder of the leftist Workers' Party.

On the right, Lula is considered the face of corruption sweeping the country's political elite. His imprisonment has long been the goal of prosecutors running Brazil's "Car Wash" anti-graft investigation and he is now their biggest scalp.

Leftists, however, remember Lula's 2003-2010 rule as a time when Brazil used its wealth to lift tens of millions of people out of poverty.

For them, the entire corruption case is a sham cooked up by a judiciary giving major political figures accused of corruption on the right -- including current President Michel Temer -- an easier ride.

"A sad day for democracy and for Brazil," Gleisi Hoffmann, who heads the Workers' Party, tweeted.

The court battle mirrored the increasingly polarized election campaign in which a hard-right former army officer, Jair Bolsonaro, is currently second in the polls behind Lula, with centrists struggling to make ground.

Election doubts

Lula was sentenced to 12 years and one month prison after being convicted last year of accepting a seaside apartment as a bribe from a major construction company seeking government contracts. He appealed in a lower court but lost.

Under current law, that meant he should go immediately to prison, even while conducting further appeals in two higher courts. However, Lula applied to the Supreme Court for habeas corpus, allowing him to remain free during the appeals, potentially keeping him out of jail for a long period.

The Supreme Court's deliberations on the sensitive case took place under extraordinary social and political pressure.

Late Tuesday, up to 20,000 people demonstrated in Brazil's biggest city, Sao Paulo, to demand that Lula go to prison and be barred from the election, with smaller rival rallies gathering in Brasilia on Wednesday.

More than 5,000 judges and prosecutors sent the Supreme Court a petition for Lula to be imprisoned immediately and justices have received thousands of emails on the subject.

At the same time, the court had to contend with the fact that Lula remains enormously popular with much of the population, especially in the poorer northeast. Sending Lula to prison could fatally cripple his election hopes, even if it is another court, the Superior Electoral Tribunal, that will rule on whether he can be on the ballot.

The Workers' Party tweeted that "the Brazilian people have a right to vote for Lula" and promised to take its fight to "the streets... right to the bitter end."

"This is a farce, it's a huge blow. I can't accept Lula out of the election," said Lula backer Maria Lucia Minoto Silva, a 60-year-old history teacher, in Sao Paulo. "I can't accept an innocent man being in prison."

Army controversy

The most notable pressure ahead of the court ruling came from Brazil's army commander, who broke traditional non-interference in politics by appearing to call for Lula to be imprisoned.

General Eduardo Villas Boas tweeted late Tuesday that the military shared Brazilians' "desire for the repudiation of impunity."

Villas Boas also asked "who is really thinking about the good of the country and future generations and who is only worried about personal interests?"

The comments triggered immediate criticism, given that high-ranking generals have mostly kept out of politics since the restoration of democracy in 1985, following two decades of military dictatorship.

Amnesty International criticized the comments as a "threat to the democratic state of law."

But Brazil's defense minister argued Wednesday that Villas Boas was simply trying to reassure the nation.

"The message was that people can be calm, because the institutions are here. It was not a message about using force. It was the opposite," said the minister, Joaquim Silva e Luna, in Globo newspaper.

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was on the verge of going to prison Thursday after the Supreme Court rejected his bid to delay a 12-year sentence for corruption in a ruling that split the country and upended this year's election

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was on the verge of going to prison Thursday after the Supreme Court rejected his bid to delay a 12-year sentence for corruption in a ruling that split the country and upended this year's election. Following the court's narrow decision against allowing Lula to remain free pending new appeals, it was expected that Brazil’s chief anti-corruption judge, Sergio Moro, would soon issue an order for the two-term former president to be incarcerated. It remained unclear exactly when this would take place. But legal experts said it would be no more than a few days away, possibly early next week. The 11 judges deliberated for more than 10 hours from Wednesday into Thursday on Lula's request to avoid going to prison while he mounts fresh appeals. At 5-5, it was court president Carmen Lucia who cast the tie-breaker, saying that postponing serving of sentences "could lead to impunity." Broadcast live on television, the drama left Brazilians as divided as the judges themselves, and raised questions over the state of the country's democracy after the top army general appeared to urge prison for the 72-year-old founder of the leftist Workers' Party. On the right, Lula is considered the face of corruption sweeping the country's political elite. His imprisonment has long been the goal of prosecutors running Brazil's "Car Wash" anti-graft investigation and he is now their biggest scalp. Leftists, however, remember Lula's 2003-2010 rule as a time when Brazil used its wealth to lift tens of millions of people out of poverty. For them, the entire corruption case is a sham cooked up by a judiciary giving major political figures accused of corruption on the right -- including current President Michel Temer -- an easier ride. "A sad day for democracy and for Brazil," Gleisi Hoffmann, who heads the Workers' Party, tweeted. The court battle mirrored the increasingly polarized election campaign in which a hard-right former army officer, Jair Bolsonaro, is currently second in the polls behind Lula, with centrists struggling to make ground. Election doubts Lula was sentenced to 12 years and one month prison after being convicted last year of accepting a seaside apartment as a bribe from a major construction company seeking government contracts. He appealed in a lower court but lost. Under current law, that meant he should go immediately to prison, even while conducting further appeals in two higher courts. However, Lula applied to the Supreme Court for habeas corpus, allowing him to remain free during the appeals, potentially keeping him out of jail for a long period. The Supreme Court's deliberations on the sensitive case took place under extraordinary social and political pressure. Late Tuesday, up to 20,000 people demonstrated in Brazil's biggest city, Sao Paulo, to demand that Lula go to prison and be barred from the election, with smaller rival rallies gathering in Brasilia on Wednesday. More than 5,000 judges and prosecutors sent the Supreme Court a petition for Lula to be imprisoned immediately and justices have received thousands of emails on the subject. At the same time, the court had to contend with the fact that Lula remains enormously popular with much of the population, especially in the poorer northeast. Sending Lula to prison could fatally cripple his election hopes, even if it is another court, the Superior Electoral Tribunal, that will rule on whether he can be on the ballot. The Workers' Party tweeted that "the Brazilian people have a right to vote for Lula" and promised to take its fight to "the streets... right to the bitter end." "This is a farce, it's a huge blow. I can't accept Lula out of the election," said Lula backer Maria Lucia Minoto Silva, a 60-year-old history teacher, in Sao Paulo. "I can't accept an innocent man being in prison." Army controversy The most notable pressure ahead of the court ruling came from Brazil's army commander, who broke traditional non-interference in politics by appearing to call for Lula to be imprisoned. General Eduardo Villas Boas tweeted late Tuesday that the military shared Brazilians' "desire for the repudiation of impunity." Villas Boas also asked "who is really thinking about the good of the country and future generations and who is only worried about personal interests?" The comments triggered immediate criticism, given that high-ranking generals have mostly kept out of politics since the restoration of democracy in 1985, following two decades of military dictatorship. Amnesty International criticized the comments as a "threat to the democratic state of law." But Brazil's defense minister argued Wednesday that Villas Boas was simply trying to reassure the nation. "The message was that people can be calm, because the institutions are here. It was not a message about using force. It was the opposite," said the minister, Joaquim Silva e Luna, in Globo newspaper.

Brazil's Lula faces imminent prison after Supreme Court ruling

Brazilian politicians, voters and investors will find out on Wednesday whether an appeals court will allow the country&#39;s most popular leader, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to run for president this year after being found guilty of accepting a bribe.

The former two-term, leftist president was convicted in July of corruption and money laundering for accepting a beachside penthouse apartment from an engineering company vying for government contracts.

If the court&#39;s three judges uphold the conviction, which carries a sentence of nine years and six months, Lula would be ineligible to run for re-election on the October 7 ballot and he could be sent to jail.

That would radically alter the political landscape of Brazil ahead of a campaign in which Lula is the early favourite, with 36 percent of voter preferences according to pollster Datafolha. That is double the percentage of his nearest rival, the far-right congressman and former army captain Jair Bolsonaro.

The case has polarized Brazil, with Lula&#39;s critics calling for him to be put behind bars and his Workers Party supporters claiming the charges were trumped up to stop him from running.

The appeals court, known as the TRF-4, has confirmed 95 percent of the convictions and sentences handed down by crusading anti-corruption judge Sergio Moro, who sentenced Lula.

Brazil&#39;s benchmark Bovespa stock index&nbsp;has risen more than 10 percent in the past month on the prospect of Lula being barred from the election sooner than originally expected.

That would improve the odds of a more centrist, market-friendly candidate winning this year&#39;s race and continuing austerity policies to reduce a budget deficit run up by Lula&#39;s impeached successor, Dilma Rousseff.

Lula, 72, has been touring the country preparing the ground for a presidential bid. CUT, Brazil&#39;s largest labour union federation and an ally of the Workers Party, plans to launch his candidacy in Sao Paulo the day after the ruling, whichever way it goes.

The party&#39;s leader, Senator Gleisi Hoffmann, went as far as to say last week that authorities would have to &quot;kill&quot; people to put Lula in prison, though she later qualified her comment after it created an uproar.

Lula plans to travel to Porto Alegre on Tuesday to rally his supporters, though the court denied his request to address the judges amid criticism he was turning the case into a pulpit for alleging political persecution.

Some 3,000 Lula supporters arrived in the southern city of Porto Alegre on Monday and intend to protest outside the court, which has been cordoned off by police in a four-block radius.

Lula&#39;s opponents plan to celebrate in a park on the affluent side of Porto Alegre on Thursday if his conviction is upheld.

Influential politician

Despite the conviction and four other corruption probes against him, Lula remains Brazil&#39;s most influential politician, loved by Brazilians who benefited from social programs that lifted 30 million people out of poverty during his presidency from 2003 to 2010.

&quot;If Lula is cleared, he will be a strong contender who would certainly reach the second-round runoff,&quot; said Lucas de Arag&atilde;o, a political scientist and partner at consultancy Arko Advice in Brasilia. &quot;But if he is convicted again, the Workers Party will have to get real and find another candidate, because it will be very hard for Lula to get registered to run.&quot;

For now, the party insists there is no plan B and is casting Lula as a political martyr being illegitimately blocked from the race by Brazilian elites who see him as a threat.

&quot;Whatever the ruling is on Wednesday, President (Lula) cannot be barred by the appeals court from registering his candidacy,&quot; his lawyer Cristiano Zanin told foreign news media.

Presidential hopefuls must register with Brazil&#39;s electoral authority, the TSE, by August 15. Lula&#39;s defence team will try to delay a final decision on his conviction as long as possible to place him on the ballot.

If an adverse ruling on Wednesday is not unanimous, Lula will have more options for appeals that could delay the process for as long as seven months, legal experts say.

Even if the TSE bars Lula, there is a chance he could appeal to higher courts on constitutional and other grounds to seek an injunction suspending his ineligibility declared by the TSE, said Henrique Neves, a former judge on the electoral court.

If Lula were to run in the elections but lose his case, his votes would be annulled, Neves said.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was convicted in July of corruption and money laundering

Brazilian politicians, voters and investors will find out on Wednesday whether an appeals court will allow the country's most popular leader, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to run for president this year after being found guilty of accepting a bribe. The former two-term, leftist president was convicted in July of corruption and money laundering for accepting a beachside penthouse apartment from an engineering company vying for government contracts. If the court's three judges uphold the conviction, which carries a sentence of nine years and six months, Lula would be ineligible to run for re-election on the October 7 ballot and he could be sent to jail. That would radically alter the political landscape of Brazil ahead of a campaign in which Lula is the early favourite, with 36 percent of voter preferences according to pollster Datafolha. That is double the percentage of his nearest rival, the far-right congressman and former army captain Jair Bolsonaro. The case has polarized Brazil, with Lula's critics calling for him to be put behind bars and his Workers Party supporters claiming the charges were trumped up to stop him from running. The appeals court, known as the TRF-4, has confirmed 95 percent of the convictions and sentences handed down by crusading anti-corruption judge Sergio Moro, who sentenced Lula. Brazil's benchmark Bovespa stock index has risen more than 10 percent in the past month on the prospect of Lula being barred from the election sooner than originally expected. That would improve the odds of a more centrist, market-friendly candidate winning this year's race and continuing austerity policies to reduce a budget deficit run up by Lula's impeached successor, Dilma Rousseff. Lula, 72, has been touring the country preparing the ground for a presidential bid. CUT, Brazil's largest labour union federation and an ally of the Workers Party, plans to launch his candidacy in Sao Paulo the day after the ruling, whichever way it goes. The party's leader, Senator Gleisi Hoffmann, went as far as to say last week that authorities would have to "kill" people to put Lula in prison, though she later qualified her comment after it created an uproar. Lula plans to travel to Porto Alegre on Tuesday to rally his supporters, though the court denied his request to address the judges amid criticism he was turning the case into a pulpit for alleging political persecution. Some 3,000 Lula supporters arrived in the southern city of Porto Alegre on Monday and intend to protest outside the court, which has been cordoned off by police in a four-block radius. Lula's opponents plan to celebrate in a park on the affluent side of Porto Alegre on Thursday if his conviction is upheld. Influential politician Despite the conviction and four other corruption probes against him, Lula remains Brazil's most influential politician, loved by Brazilians who benefited from social programs that lifted 30 million people out of poverty during his presidency from 2003 to 2010. "If Lula is cleared, he will be a strong contender who would certainly reach the second-round runoff," said Lucas de Aragão, a political scientist and partner at consultancy Arko Advice in Brasilia. "But if he is convicted again, the Workers Party will have to get real and find another candidate, because it will be very hard for Lula to get registered to run." For now, the party insists there is no plan B and is casting Lula as a political martyr being illegitimately blocked from the race by Brazilian elites who see him as a threat. "Whatever the ruling is on Wednesday, President (Lula) cannot be barred by the appeals court from registering his candidacy," his lawyer Cristiano Zanin told foreign news media. Presidential hopefuls must register with Brazil's electoral authority, the TSE, by August 15. Lula's defence team will try to delay a final decision on his conviction as long as possible to place him on the ballot. If an adverse ruling on Wednesday is not unanimous, Lula will have more options for appeals that could delay the process for as long as seven months, legal experts say. Even if the TSE bars Lula, there is a chance he could appeal to higher courts on constitutional and other grounds to seek an injunction suspending his ineligibility declared by the TSE, said Henrique Neves, a former judge on the electoral court. If Lula were to run in the elections but lose his case, his votes would be annulled, Neves said.

Brazil holds breath for court ruling on Lula's future

A Brazilian appeals court Wednesday upheld ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva&#39;s conviction for corruption, dealing a body blow to his hopes of running for re-election this year.

The three-judge panel sitting in the southern city of Porto Alegre unanimously ruled that his original 9.5-year jail sentence be extended to more than 12 years.

Thousands of Lula supporters rallied in Sao Paolo to protest the verdict.&nbsp;

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Wearing a short-sleeved black T-shirt, the 72-year-old was defiant, telling the crowd of around 10,000 that he intended to run for the presidency despite the court setback.

&quot;Now I want to run for the presidency,&quot; he said to wild cheers. &quot;They can take away my rights; no big deal. What I&#39;d like to differ with them on is the conscience of the Brazilian people.

&quot;Mandela was put in prison and then he came back and became president of South Africa,&quot; he added, comparing himself to the great African statesman.

One of the judges, Joao Gebran Neto, said in his ruling that during his 2003-2010 presidency, Lula was one of the architects &quot;of a sophisticated scheme of fraud and corruption&quot; that had weakened Brazil&#39;s entire political system.

A defiant Lula said before the judgment he would continue to fight &quot;for the dignity of the Brazilian people&quot; and insisted he had committed no crime.

Lula is likely to remain out of prison for many months. He is expected to continue to challenge the conviction through higher courts, initially in the Superior Court of Justice and ultimately in Brazil&#39;s Supreme Court.&nbsp;

However, Wednesday&#39;s ruling deals a severe blow to his hopes of running in this year&#39;s presidential election, which he was favored to win.

&quot;It complicates his plans to run for the presidency this year but it doesn&#39;t finish them altogether,&quot; said market analysts Capital Economics in a note.

&quot;The unanimous verdict is important since it reduces the avenues of appeal that are now open to Lula. That being said, it does not close them off completely.

&quot;If pushed, we would say that there is still something like a 30 percent chance that he ends up on the ballot,&quot; it said.&nbsp;

The deadline for registration of candidates is August 15. The Workers&#39; Party has until September 17 to replace Lula as their candidate, if necessary -- three weeks before the first round of the election on October 7. &nbsp;

- High security - 
The court convened amid high security in the tense southern city of Porto Alegre to rule on Lula&#39;s appeal against his July conviction in Brazil&#39;s sprawling &quot;Car Wash&quot; graft scandal, with thousands of supporters and opponents of the leftist icon gathered to await the ruling.

As the judges presented their verdicts, Lula was hundreds of kilometers (miles) away near Sao Paulo, addressing former colleagues in the powerful metalworkers&#39; union he once led.&nbsp;

&quot;I am extremely calm, with the awareness that I have committed no crime,&quot; he told union members.

The key allegation against him is that he was gifted a three-floor seaside apartment from Brazil&#39;s OAS construction group in exchange for public contracts from state-controlled oil company Petrobras during his two-term presidency.

Defense lawyer Cristiano Zanin Martins had told the court it was clear OAS owned the renovated apartment, and that Lula &quot;never got the keys and never spent a night there.&quot;&nbsp;

But in his judgment, Gebran Neto said there was evidence &quot;that the triplex apartment, from the beginning, even before the OAS took over the works, was reserved for President Lula.&quot;

The defense had argued that no title existed in his name, but the judge said the lack of a document was intended precisely to hide the real recipient of the apartment.

A second judge, Leandro Paulsen, agreed with that understanding but considered an aggravating circumstance the fact that Lula had operated as guarantor &quot;of a scheme that emptied the coffers of Petrobras.&quot;

Market up 
Helicopters hovered near the courthouse, and even ships were being used to protect the building, which is located next to a river.

Argentine ex-footballer Diego Maradona used social media to voice his support for Lula, and released pictures of him holding a Brazil football jersey printed with Lula&#39;s name.&nbsp;

&quot;My dear Lula, Diego is with You,&quot; wrote Maradona in Portuguese.

But Lula is also hated by many Brazilians who want to see him behind bars. Similarly, the markets were betting against a Lula run for the presidency.&nbsp;

Sao Paolo&#39;s stock exchange soared 3.7 percent to a record high within an hour of the court confirming Lula&#39;s conviction.

&quot;Markets cannot hide their enthusiasm: a ruling against Lula, who has promised to revert part of President Michel Temer&#39;s business-friendly reforms, is widely seen as a fatal blow to his presidential bid,&quot; said Silvio Cascione in a note from the Eurasia consultancy. 
&nbsp;

The three-judge panel sitting in the southern city of Porto Alegre unanimously ruled that his original 9.5-year jail sentence be extended to more than 12 years

A Brazilian appeals court Wednesday upheld ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's conviction for corruption, dealing a body blow to his hopes of running for re-election this year. The three-judge panel sitting in the southern city of Porto Alegre unanimously ruled that his original 9.5-year jail sentence be extended to more than 12 years. Thousands of Lula supporters rallied in Sao Paolo to protest the verdict. Lula was defiant, telling the crowd of around 10,000 that he intended to run for the presidency despite the court setback × Wearing a short-sleeved black T-shirt, the 72-year-old was defiant, telling the crowd of around 10,000 that he intended to run for the presidency despite the court setback. "Now I want to run for the presidency," he said to wild cheers. "They can take away my rights; no big deal. What I'd like to differ with them on is the conscience of the Brazilian people. "Mandela was put in prison and then he came back and became president of South Africa," he added, comparing himself to the great African statesman. One of the judges, Joao Gebran Neto, said in his ruling that during his 2003-2010 presidency, Lula was one of the architects "of a sophisticated scheme of fraud and corruption" that had weakened Brazil's entire political system. A defiant Lula said before the judgment he would continue to fight "for the dignity of the Brazilian people" and insisted he had committed no crime. Lula is likely to remain out of prison for many months. He is expected to continue to challenge the conviction through higher courts, initially in the Superior Court of Justice and ultimately in Brazil's Supreme Court. However, Wednesday's ruling deals a severe blow to his hopes of running in this year's presidential election, which he was favored to win. "It complicates his plans to run for the presidency this year but it doesn't finish them altogether," said market analysts Capital Economics in a note. "The unanimous verdict is important since it reduces the avenues of appeal that are now open to Lula. That being said, it does not close them off completely. "If pushed, we would say that there is still something like a 30 percent chance that he ends up on the ballot," it said. The deadline for registration of candidates is August 15. The Workers' Party has until September 17 to replace Lula as their candidate, if necessary -- three weeks before the first round of the election on October 7. - High security - The court convened amid high security in the tense southern city of Porto Alegre to rule on Lula's appeal against his July conviction in Brazil's sprawling "Car Wash" graft scandal, with thousands of supporters and opponents of the leftist icon gathered to await the ruling. As the judges presented their verdicts, Lula was hundreds of kilometers (miles) away near Sao Paulo, addressing former colleagues in the powerful metalworkers' union he once led. "I am extremely calm, with the awareness that I have committed no crime," he told union members. The key allegation against him is that he was gifted a three-floor seaside apartment from Brazil's OAS construction group in exchange for public contracts from state-controlled oil company Petrobras during his two-term presidency. Defense lawyer Cristiano Zanin Martins had told the court it was clear OAS owned the renovated apartment, and that Lula "never got the keys and never spent a night there." But in his judgment, Gebran Neto said there was evidence "that the triplex apartment, from the beginning, even before the OAS took over the works, was reserved for President Lula." The defense had argued that no title existed in his name, but the judge said the lack of a document was intended precisely to hide the real recipient of the apartment. A second judge, Leandro Paulsen, agreed with that understanding but considered an aggravating circumstance the fact that Lula had operated as guarantor "of a scheme that emptied the coffers of Petrobras." Market up Helicopters hovered near the courthouse, and even ships were being used to protect the building, which is located next to a river. Argentine ex-footballer Diego Maradona used social media to voice his support for Lula, and released pictures of him holding a Brazil football jersey printed with Lula's name. "My dear Lula, Diego is with You," wrote Maradona in Portuguese. But Lula is also hated by many Brazilians who want to see him behind bars. Similarly, the markets were betting against a Lula run for the presidency. Sao Paolo's stock exchange soared 3.7 percent to a record high within an hour of the court confirming Lula's conviction. "Markets cannot hide their enthusiasm: a ruling against Lula, who has promised to revert part of President Michel Temer's business-friendly reforms, is widely seen as a fatal blow to his presidential bid," said Silvio Cascione in a note from the Eurasia consultancy.

Brazil's Lula loses appeal against corruption conviction

Embattled former&nbsp;Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva appeared in a federal court on Wednesday to give his first direct testimony before a crusading, anti-corruption judge on graft charges he dismisses as a political witch hunt.&nbsp;

Lula is accused of receiving a beach apartment in return for helping the OAS construction firm win government contracts. His court appearance before Judge Sergio Moro, who has spearheaded Brazil&#39;s biggest-ever corruption probe is expected to last several hours. A ruling by Moro is not expected until July.&nbsp;

Lula, who is charged in four other corruption cases, is the highest-profile defendant in a sprawling corruption probe known as &quot;Operation Car Wash.&quot; The investigation centers on construction firms who have already admitted to paying billions in kickbacks in return for lucrative contracts at state-run oil company Petrobras.

The former president has repeatedly said he is innocent of all charges.&nbsp;

The investigation has greatly expanded since it began three years ago and now encompasses several state-run companies. More than 90 powerful businessmen and politicians have been convicted, and scores of sitting federal congressmen and one-third of President Michel Temer&#39;s cabinet are being probed.&nbsp;

Lula got out of a car about a block away from the courthouse on Wednesday, where he was met by supporters chanting, &quot;Lula, warrior for the&nbsp;Brazilian people!&quot;&nbsp;

As he made his way to the building, a stern-faced Lula grabbed a&nbsp;Brazilian flag and began waving it high above his head, but made no comments as he pushed through the crowd.&nbsp;

Thousands of Lula supporters have descended on Curitiba, mostly members of activists groups and unions, arriving in chartered buses from across the country.

They set up makeshift tents along railroad tracks a few kilometers from the federal courthouse.

&quot;Even if they were to prove that everything he has done was wrong, I would still vote for him,&quot; said Gabriel Marshall, an 18-year-old member of the Landless Workers Movement who made a 10-hour bus trip from his cooperative farm in Parana state. &quot;He was the only one in power who has not robbed from the poor.&quot;

A small group of supporters of the Car Wash investigation gathered in a different area of Curitiba. Last week, Moro released a video on Facebook asking that those backing the inquiry not travel to Curitiba to avoid the chance of clashes with Lula supporters.&nbsp;

During two terms in office, Lula,&nbsp;Brazil&#39;s first working class president, greatly expanded the nation&#39;s social safety net.

Helped by a booming economy and an innovative cash-transfer program, his administration yanked tens of millions of people out of poverty into the middle class, and Lula left office in 2010 with an 83 percent approval rating.

Lula has said he wants to run for president again in 2018, but if convicted in any of the trials and if the ruling is upheld by a second court, he would be legally disqualified from running and likely go to prison.

Lula was deeply involved in the graft scheme, according to federal prosecutors and former Petrobras executives who negotiated plea deals or are seeking them. Millions in bribes allegedly were funneled into the campaign coffers of his Workers Party as well as nearly every major political party, they say.

(Reuters)

Lula is the highest-profile defendant in a sprawling graft probe known as "Operation Car Wash."

Embattled former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva appeared in a federal court on Wednesday to give his first direct testimony before a crusading, anti-corruption judge on graft charges he dismisses as a political witch hunt. Lula is accused of receiving a beach apartment in return for helping the OAS construction firm win government contracts. His court appearance before Judge Sergio Moro, who has spearheaded Brazil's biggest-ever corruption probe is expected to last several hours. A ruling by Moro is not expected until July. Lula, who is charged in four other corruption cases, is the highest-profile defendant in a sprawling corruption probe known as "Operation Car Wash." The investigation centers on construction firms who have already admitted to paying billions in kickbacks in return for lucrative contracts at state-run oil company Petrobras. The former president has repeatedly said he is innocent of all charges. The investigation has greatly expanded since it began three years ago and now encompasses several state-run companies. More than 90 powerful businessmen and politicians have been convicted, and scores of sitting federal congressmen and one-third of President Michel Temer's cabinet are being probed. Lula got out of a car about a block away from the courthouse on Wednesday, where he was met by supporters chanting, "Lula, warrior for the Brazilian people!" As he made his way to the building, a stern-faced Lula grabbed a Brazilian flag and began waving it high above his head, but made no comments as he pushed through the crowd. Thousands of Lula supporters have descended on Curitiba, mostly members of activists groups and unions, arriving in chartered buses from across the country. They set up makeshift tents along railroad tracks a few kilometers from the federal courthouse. "Even if they were to prove that everything he has done was wrong, I would still vote for him," said Gabriel Marshall, an 18-year-old member of the Landless Workers Movement who made a 10-hour bus trip from his cooperative farm in Parana state. "He was the only one in power who has not robbed from the poor." A small group of supporters of the Car Wash investigation gathered in a different area of Curitiba. Last week, Moro released a video on Facebook asking that those backing the inquiry not travel to Curitiba to avoid the chance of clashes with Lula supporters. During two terms in office, Lula, Brazil's first working class president, greatly expanded the nation's social safety net. Helped by a booming economy and an innovative cash-transfer program, his administration yanked tens of millions of people out of poverty into the middle class, and Lula left office in 2010 with an 83 percent approval rating. Lula has said he wants to run for president again in 2018, but if convicted in any of the trials and if the ruling is upheld by a second court, he would be legally disqualified from running and likely go to prison. Lula was deeply involved in the graft scheme, according to federal prosecutors and former Petrobras executives who negotiated plea deals or are seeking them. Millions in bribes allegedly were funneled into the campaign coffers of his Workers Party as well as nearly every major political party, they say. (Reuters)

Brazil ex-president Lula appears in court to face corruption charges

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was key in getting the Olympics to Rio, will be put on trial for allegedly trying to obstruct a corruption probe at Petrobras oil company, officials said yesterday. 
 
&quot;The charge is obstruction of justice&quot; linked to the Petrobras embezzlement probe, named Operation Car Wash, a spokesman for the justice ministry told AFP. 
 
Lula was formally charged along with six others, including former senator Delcidio do Amaral, a once-important ally in Lula&#39;s leftist Workers&#39; Party who is accused of Petrobras-related corruption and has turned state&#39;s witness. 
 
Lula, as he is universally known in Brazil, was president from 2003-2010 and left office with massive popularity thanks to social programs that lifted tens of millions of Brazilians from poverty. 
 
He also was key in the 2009 winning bid by Rio de Janeiro to host South America&#39;s first Olympics, which start next Friday. 
 
However, his legacy has been badly tainted by the emergence of the Petrobras scandal in which dozens of politicians and executives are accused of having embezzled from the huge state oil company in a web of inflated contracts, kickbacks and bribes that lasted much of his presidency. 
 
Lula is alleged to have been at the centre of the scheme. However, the charges on which he will stand trial are limited to allegedly attempting to obstruct the enquiry. 
 
Prosecutors have been told by Delcidio in his plea bargain that Lula had asked him to assist a Petrobras director charged in the corruption scheme. 
 
Lula accuses Delcidio of fabricating his testimony to attempt to save himself from a serious sentence in his own case. 
 
Lula&#39;s spokesman issued a statement saying the charges were flimsy because they &quot;are based uniquely on (evidence from) a plea bargain.&quot; 
 
&quot;Lula has never opposed the investigations,&quot; the statement said. 
 
Olympics president 
 
The development comes a week before the opening of the Olympics and will reignite a simmering political crisis that has upended the Workers&#39; Party dominance of Brazil over the last 13 years. 
 
Lula&#39;s handpicked successor Dilma Rousseff faces an impeachment trial set to culminate days after the Olympics end. 
 
If the Senate votes to impeach by a two thirds majority, Rousseff will be removed from office and her bitter political enemy Michel Temer, who is currently serving as interim president, will take over. 
 
Rousseff is accused of breaking government budgeting rules, but has denounced the impeachment process as a coup in disguise aimed at putting Temer&#39;s center-right administration in power and destroying the Workers&#39; Party. 
 
Both Lula and Rousseff have declared they will boycott the Olympics opening ceremony, where Temer is to preside and declare the Games open. 
 
In an interview yesterday with foreign news organizations, including AFP, Temer said he expected Rousseff to be removed by the Senate in time for Brazil to know whom to send to the G20 summit in China at the start of September. 
 
&quot;We are hoping that the resolution of the impeachment comes between August 25 and 26, because if it takes to September 4, 5 or 6, Brazil will not be able to go to the G20,&quot; Temer said. 
 
Temer said he was already &quot;acting as if I will stay on&quot; and that &quot;the world needs to know who is the president.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Lula is alleged to have been at the centre of a scandal accusing politicians and executives of embezzling from oil company Petrobras

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was key in getting the Olympics to Rio, will be put on trial for allegedly trying to obstruct a corruption probe at Petrobras oil company, officials said yesterday. "The charge is obstruction of justice" linked to the Petrobras embezzlement probe, named Operation Car Wash, a spokesman for the justice ministry told AFP. Lula was formally charged along with six others, including former senator Delcidio do Amaral, a once-important ally in Lula's leftist Workers' Party who is accused of Petrobras-related corruption and has turned state's witness. Lula, as he is universally known in Brazil, was president from 2003-2010 and left office with massive popularity thanks to social programs that lifted tens of millions of Brazilians from poverty. He also was key in the 2009 winning bid by Rio de Janeiro to host South America's first Olympics, which start next Friday. However, his legacy has been badly tainted by the emergence of the Petrobras scandal in which dozens of politicians and executives are accused of having embezzled from the huge state oil company in a web of inflated contracts, kickbacks and bribes that lasted much of his presidency. Lula is alleged to have been at the centre of the scheme. However, the charges on which he will stand trial are limited to allegedly attempting to obstruct the enquiry. Prosecutors have been told by Delcidio in his plea bargain that Lula had asked him to assist a Petrobras director charged in the corruption scheme. Lula accuses Delcidio of fabricating his testimony to attempt to save himself from a serious sentence in his own case. Lula's spokesman issued a statement saying the charges were flimsy because they "are based uniquely on (evidence from) a plea bargain." "Lula has never opposed the investigations," the statement said. Olympics president The development comes a week before the opening of the Olympics and will reignite a simmering political crisis that has upended the Workers' Party dominance of Brazil over the last 13 years. Lula's handpicked successor Dilma Rousseff faces an impeachment trial set to culminate days after the Olympics end. If the Senate votes to impeach by a two thirds majority, Rousseff will be removed from office and her bitter political enemy Michel Temer, who is currently serving as interim president, will take over. Rousseff is accused of breaking government budgeting rules, but has denounced the impeachment process as a coup in disguise aimed at putting Temer's center-right administration in power and destroying the Workers' Party. Both Lula and Rousseff have declared they will boycott the Olympics opening ceremony, where Temer is to preside and declare the Games open. In an interview yesterday with foreign news organizations, including AFP, Temer said he expected Rousseff to be removed by the Senate in time for Brazil to know whom to send to the G20 summit in China at the start of September. "We are hoping that the resolution of the impeachment comes between August 25 and 26, because if it takes to September 4, 5 or 6, Brazil will not be able to go to the G20," Temer said. Temer said he was already "acting as if I will stay on" and that "the world needs to know who is the president." (AFP)

Former Brazilian president to stand trial for obstruction of justice