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O Globo, May 11, 2017
Brazil is riveted by the highly anticipated appearance of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to defend himself against charges in one of the largest corruption scheme cases in the country. On Thursday’s front page, Rio-based daily O Globo shows the 71-year-old appearing for the first time at the trial, in a defensive posture. “Lula attributes triplex decision to Marisa and admits meeting with Duque,” reads the headline.
Lula, facing popular Judge Sergio Moro, has dismissed the charges as a political “witch hunt.” Facing charges of diverting money to buy and renovate a triplex penthouse overlooking the sea in Guarujá in 2010, Lula attributed the negotiations to his wife Marisa, who died in February, O Globo reports.
During the hearing, the Brazilian politician, who was president from 2003 to 2011, also admitted meeting with Renato Duque, who was sentenced to 53 years in prison for passive corruption and money laundering as part of the Operation Lava Jato (“Car Wash”) investigation.
