http://www.kansas.com/news/nation-world/article66820637.html
MARCH 18, 2016 10:18 PM
Top Brazilian judge blocks Cabinet post for ex-president
Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is hugged by supporters after his swearing-in ceremony as the chief of staff to President Dilma Rousseff, at the Planalto presidential palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, Thursday, March 17, 2016. Silva was sworn in as his successor's chief of staff on Thursday. Rousseff insisted Silva would help put the troubled country back on track and denounced attempts to oust her. Supporter on the right is holding a flag that represents Brazil's governing party. Eraldo Peres AP Photo
SAO PAULO
A Supreme Court justice in Brazil has suspended a Cabinet post appointment for former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the latest development in a legal battle that is sharply dividing an already polarized nation.
Federal Court Justice Gilmar Mendes released his written decision late Friday. Mendes wrote that Silva's appointment by President Dilma Rousseff was clearly an attempt to get around his mounting legal woes.
Two weeks ago, Silva was brought in for questioning in a sprawling investigation into an alleged kickback scheme in the state oil company Petrobras. In becoming a Cabinet minister, Silva can only be prosecuted by a decision of the Supreme Court.
Mendes' decision leaves Silva, and the country, in limbo. The government will surely appeal the decision, which eventually will have to be decided on by the full Court.
A Supreme Court justice in Brazil has suspended a Cabinet post appointment for former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the latest development in a legal battle that is sharply dividing an already polarized nation.
Federal Court Justice Gilmar Mendes released his written decision late Friday. Mendes wrote that Silva's appointment by President Dilma Rousseff was clearly an attempt to get around his mounting legal woes.
Two weeks ago, Silva was brought in for questioning in a sprawling investigation into an alleged kickback scheme in the state oil company Petrobras. In becoming a Cabinet minister, Silva can only be prosecuted by a decision of the Supreme Court.
Mendes' decision leaves Silva, and the country, in limbo. The government will surely appeal the decision, which eventually will have to be decided on by the full Court.
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