Brazil's Top Court Rules That Former President Lula Can Be Jailed For Graft Conviction

BBC: Brazil's Lula must start prison term, Supreme Court rules

Brazil's ex-President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will be jailed while he appeals against a graft conviction, the Supreme Court has ruled.

He is facing 12 years in jail on charges of accepting a bribe but had asked to remain free during his appeal.

Lula claims the charges are politically motivated, and designed to prevent him from running for president in October.

He has a lead in opinion polls. His Workers' Party said the ruling was a "tragic day for democracy and Brazil".

The Supreme Court judges ruled against him by six to five after a marathon session, which ended in the early hours of Thursday.

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WNU Editor: He is facing 12 years in jail for his conviction. Even though he is trying his best to stay in politics, I suspect that this will be the end of his political

life.

More News On Brazil's Top Court Ruling That Former President Lula Can Be Jailed For Graft Conviction

Brazil's top court: Lula can be jailed for upheld conviction -- ABC News/AP
Brazil's top court rules Lula can be jailed for graft conviction -- Reuters
Brazil's Supreme Court rules ex-President Lula can be jailed as he appeals corruption conviction -- DW
Ex-Brazil president Lula da Silva loses fight to delay jail sentence -- CNN