Even as A Free Man, Lula Can only Run for Office in 2035 at The Age of 89

The court reduced Lulas sentence for corruption and money laundering in the triplex case to eight years and 10 months

São Paulo

Even if he isn’t convicted in his seven other trials, the ex-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won’t be able to run for office until 2035, at the age of 89. The Superior Court of Justice maintained this decision on Tuesday (23). 

The court reduced Lula’s sentence for corruption and money laundering in the triplex case to eight years and 10 months. But the Ficha Limpa law will prevent him from immediately reentering politics. According to the law, condemned politicians are ineligible to be political candidates for eight years after their sentence is completed. Money laundering is one of the crimes in which this law is applicable. 

History indicates that the appellate court will allow Lula to leave prison in September, just before the final judgment of another case that could bar this benefit. 

A protester holds a mask depicting Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as she takes part an act against celebrations marking the anniversary of a 1964 coup, in Brasilia, Brazil March 31, 2019. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino ORG XMIT: UMS9 - REUTERS

Open Prison

The petista entered prison in April of last year. But there is also another case pending in relation to the Atibaia property, in which Lula was also accused of corruption. 

The case concerning the triplex de Guarujá—Lula’s first—was judged quickly. But it is unlikely that the Atibaia house case will be concluded as quickly. A judgment will likely happen in October but Lula will conclude a sixth of his sentence in September, allowing him to live in an open prison. 

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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