Lula condemns allegations linking him to Operation Car Wash case
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva posted a note on his Facebook page condemning allegations associating his name with the corruption scandal investigated under Operation Car Wash.
Press reports have suggested that the latest Operation Car Wash spin-off launched by Federal Police yesterday (Jan. 27) was moving closer to the former president. This new stage is an investigation into an alleged money laundering scheme in the purchase of real estate in Guarujá, a beach city in São Paulo state.
In his post, Lula said that no other Brazilian leader has had their private and political life so closely scrutinized in recent years, and that he has never faced any sound charges.
“[Lula] wasn't even mentioned in Judge Sérgio Moro's ruling, and he rejects all attempts to implicate him in the illegal activities investigated under the so-called Operation Car Wash,” the post read.
It went on, “Lula was in fact arrested once, but that was during the dictatorship, on account of his standing up for democracy and workers' rights in Brazil. A probe over an apartment—let alone one that he doesn't even own—is not going to find any stains in his past.”
“Lula has never hidden from anyone that his family bought a share in Bancoop [housing cooperative] to have an apartment in what is now the Solaris [building]. This has been reported to the tax authorities and publicly known since 2006. Note that he paid—not received—money for the property. In order to legally and effectively own the apartment, he would have to buy out his interest in the property, inclusive of any changes and additions to the original design. The former president's family has not enjoyed full tenure. Therefore, Lula has not concealed property, received favors, or done anything illegal. And yes, he will continue to stand up for Brazil, the rule of law, and democracy,” the rebuttal concluded.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Lula condemns allegations linking him to Operation Car Wash case
