WORLD
Prosecutors file charges against Brazil ex-leader Lula
Baku, March 10, AZERTAC
Brazilian prosecutors are filing charges against ex-President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva in a money laundering probe, officials say, according to BBC.
The charges, which are related to a major corruption scandal at state oil company Petrobras, still have to be formally accepted by a judge.
Lula denies any wrongdoing and says the accusations are politically motivated.
He is among 16 people who are formally being accused of money laundering by Sao Paulo prosecutors.
Lula's son is also reported to be on the list.
Lula and his wife, Marisa Leticia, face questions over the alleged ownership of a seafront penthouse in the exclusive resort of Guaruja.
Prosecutors have announced a news conference for later on Thursday.
Lula's lawyer, Cristiano Zanin Martins, said he was not given official access to the accusations against the former leader.
"This action confirms the bias [against Lula] in this whole process," he said.