A Brazilian court on Thursday approved the seizure of former President Lula da Silva’s passport, the justice ministry said, after an appeals court upheld the corruption conviction of the left-wing hero.
The decision came on the eve of a planned trip by Lula to Africa. It also came a day after appellate court judges voted to uphold Lula’s convictions on taking a bribe and money laundering and extended his sentence, in a major blow to the popular politician’s plans to run again for the presidency this year.
“He won’t travel now,” Lula spokesman Jose Chrispiniano said, adding that the former leader had planned to attend an African Union conference in Ethiopia.
Justice Minister Torquoato Jardim, who was informed of the decision by the federal police chief, recommended that Lula be informed of the decision to avoid any problems, the ministry said.
Lula could be arrested as soon as judges make a decision on a final appeal in his case, which is expected to occur in at most two to three months.
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesU mean, now he really can't receive the huge donations from Africa? But THAT's yet another story!
Jan 26th, 2018 - 01:46 pm 0@:o))
Jan 28th, 2018 - 06:53 pm 0Even if the toad ends up in prison, I don't think they'd lock him up in a cell full of his voters...he'd have special privileges, just like Cabral (had).
By the way; who says that he has only ONE passport?
Jan 30th, 2018 - 11:22 am 0AND from behind the bars; if an ordinary criminal is permitted to use mobile phones [amongst too many other rights & privileges]; imagine the luxuries which a VIP Elite-Crook can enjoy, being imprisoned-AT-HOME!
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