Brazilian judge denies ex-president Lula privileges in prison, except for television set
- Ex-president of Brazil, Luiz da Silva, has been denied the right to receive a visit from nine regional governors and other politicians in the prison
- The former present is currently staying in a prison in the southern city of Curitiba
- The only privilege given to him was a television set in his cell
A Brazilian judge has denied former president, Luiz Lula da Silva, the right to receive a visit from nine regional governors and other politicians in the prison where he is staying in the southern city of Curitiba.
Judge Carolina Lebbos pointed to an earlier order from judge Sergio Moro, who issued an arrest warrant for the popular politician and said he could have no prison privileges other than a television set in his cell, NAN reports.
Legit.ng notes that the prison regime allows visits only on Wednesdays. Lula arrived at the prison on Saturday, capping two days of drama over whether or not he would submit to the arrest warrant.
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The 72-year-old is to serve a 12-year sentence following his conviction on corruption charges in 2017.
Lula’s Workers’ Party, meanwhile said he remained its candidate in the October 7 presidential elections and announced plans to move its leadership to Curitiba. His party comrade Dilma Rousseff, who succeeded him as president from 2011 to 2016, said the party would mobilize Lula’s supporters to press for his freedom.
During a visit to Madrid, Rousseff said: “There is no plan B for the elections, we maintain Lula’s candidacy."
Hundreds of people were camping outside the prison on Tuesday, April 10 in a show of support for Lula.
Supporters regard the judicial proceedings as a plot to take Lula out of the presidential race, which he had been expected to easily win, while opponents say jailing him boosted Brazil’s fight against impunity.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Brazil’s federal court sentenced Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a former Brazilian president to nine and a half years in jail for corruption and money laundering.
Justice Sergio Moro found the former president guilty of accepting 3.7 million reais (1.2 million dollars) worth of bribes from an engineering firm, OAS SA.
According to federal prosecutors, the firm used the money to renovate an apartment for Lula, in appreciation for helping them win contracts with Petroleo Brasileiro, the state-owned oil company.
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Source: Legit.ng
