- Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been found guilty of accepting 3.7 million reais worth of bribes from an engineering firm
- Lula’s trial is part of a massive corruption investigation which has engulfed the Brazilian political space
- The trial judge stressed his profound regret that that a former president was criminally convicted
Brazil’s federal court has sentenced Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a former Brazilian president to nine and a half years in jail for corruption and money laundering, Independent UK reports.
However, while an appeal is being heard, the former president will remain free.
Justice Sergio Moro found the former president guilty of accepting 3.7 million reais- £890,000- worth of bribes from an engineering firm, OAS SA.
READ ALSO: APC is in pains over Supreme Court ruling - Sunny Onuesoke
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.
In recent times, Brazilian politics has been engulfed in a massive corruption investigation which has led to the jailing of various elite politicians and business executives; and Lula’s case is part of the investigation.
However, the former president claims he is innocent.
In his ruling, the judge stated: "The present conviction does not bring this judge any personal satisfaction.
“Quite the contrary, it is regrettable that a former president be criminally convicted.
"It doesn't matter how high you are, the law is still above you."
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was president between 2003 and 2010.
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the former president of Chad Hissene Habre was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Extraordinary African Chambers set up by Senegal, after he was found guilty of crimes against humanity, rape and sexual slavery.
Habre, whose trial for crimes against humanity took place in Senegal's capital, Dakar, was sentenced on Monday, May 30, 2016.
Watch this NAIJ.com TV video of EFCC staging a walk against corruption
