News

Brazil convict Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of corruption charges

by IBNS 12 Jul 2017, 10:39 pm

Brasilia, Jul 13 (IBNS): Brazilian prosecutors have convicted former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of corruption charges and sentenced him to a nine and a half years jail, reports said.

However, Lula denied any wrongdoings and said that the case against him was politically motivated.

He also stated that he did not receive any apartment as a bribe from the corruption hit state oil company Petrobras.

Lula is facing five charges.

"For more than three years Lula has been subject to a politically motivated investigation. No credible evidence of guilt has been produced, and overwhelming proof of his innocence blatantly ignored," the former President's lawyer said.

Lula served as the Brazilian President for eight years and was later succeeded by close ally Dilma Rousseff, who was later impeached.

Brazil's current President Michel Temer too is facing corruption charges.