Former President Lula Faces New Corruption Charge

09/20/2017 - 10h56

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva became, once more, a defendant in Operation Zelotes, on Tuesday (19th).

He is accused of passive corruption for accepting to receive illegal funds in 2009, when he was still president.

Judge Vallisney Oliveira, from the Federal District, received the accusation brought by the Federal Prosecution Office in the Federal District, last week.

Six other people also became defendants, including Gilberto Carvalho, ex-chief of staff of the former president.

Carvalho will also face charges of passive corruption. The others have been accused of active corruption.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, Lula and Carvalho wanted R$ 6 million (US$ 1.91 million) to act in favor of automakers MMC (current HPE) and Caoa regarding provisional measure 471, of November 2009, which addressed tax incentives.

The money was allegedly used for illegal fundraising in PT's election campaign.

The defendants are said to have given automakers access to the text of the measure before it was published, after making the requested adjustments. The accusation does not say, however, if the money has been paid.

According to judge Vallisney, "the allegations have been found, so far, reasonable."

Now, they have ten days to file their defense against the accusations. Then, witnesses will be heard and the parties will present their evidence and counterevidence.

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

Read the article in the original language

	Rahel Patrasso/Xinhua
	Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends the Workers Party's Congress opening ceremony in Sao Paulo, Brazil