Ex-president Lula to be tried for corruption

Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will stand trial on corruption and money laundering charges over an alleged scheme at the state oil company, Petrobras, a judge has said. Prosecutors say he accepted 3.7m reais ($1.11m; £867,000) in bribes connected to the multi-billion dollar scheme. Lula, 70, had already been charged in August […]

Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will stand trial on corruption and money laundering charges over an alleged scheme at the state oil company, Petrobras, a judge has said.
Prosecutors say he accepted 3.7m reais ($1.11m; £867,000) in bribes connected to the multi-billion dollar scheme.
Lula, 70, had already been charged in August with allegedly obstructing investigations.
He denies any wrongdoing and says the accusations are politically motivated.
“I am sad,” Lula said. “It is a big farce, a big lie, a big pyrotechnic show.”
Judge Sergio Moro, who is overseeing Operation Car Wash, the investigation into corruption allegations at Petrobras, said there was “sufficient evidence of [Lula’s] responsibility”.
The money that the ex-president allegedly received was laundered through the purchase and renovation of a beach apartment, prosecutors say.