Lula judge was biased, Brazil supreme court rules, paving way to challenge Bolsonaro

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Former president’s vindication could prove a precedent for other high-profile politicians and business leaders in prison

Associated Press
Tue 23 Mar 2021 20.06 EDT

Brazil’s supreme court has ruled that the former judge Sergio Moro was biased in the way he oversaw former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s corruption trial, providing vindication for the leftist leader who has long claimed political persecution.

The decision further darkens the shadow over the reputation of Moro and the sweeping “Car Wash” corruption investigation he presided over for years.

He sentenced hundreds of business and political leaders previously believed to enjoy impunity, and transformed himself into one of the Brazil’s best-known public figures. Some hailed him a hero while others accused him of being a zealot.

. . .

Michael Mohallem, coordinator of the Justice Centre of the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said the ruling brought any corruption proceedings against Da Silva back to square one and solidified his 2022 candidacy. It also provided a glimmer of hope for others who have been jailed.


Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/24/lula-judge-was-biased-brazil-supreme-court-rules-paving-way-to-challenge-bolsonaro