Brazil’s former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva denied on Thursday accusations of corruption and obstruction of justice by a former minister from his administration.
Earlier in the day, the testimony of former Finance Minister Antonio Palocci to police was made public. Palocci, who testified in exchange for lenience, said Lula received 4 million reals (1.3 million U.S. dollars)from construction giant Odebrecht.
Lula’s defense said the accusations are “false and baseless” and contradict all evidences and testimonies.
“Arrested and under pressure, Palocci negotiated with the Prosecution a lenience deal which demands that false accusations, without evidence, against Lula are justified,” said Lula’s lawyer, Cristiano Zanin Martins.
Martins said Palocci is making false accusations against Lula in hopes of obtaining a shorter sentence.
“Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reaffirms that he never committed any illicit acts before, during and after his two terms as president of Brazil,” said a statement released by the Lula Institute.