Lula exempted from attending court hearings

Federal Judge Sergio Moro, in charge of the proceedings under Operation Car Wash, granted the request of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's defense lawyers to have himself and his wife dismissed from the court hearings in the case where both are answering charges. The sessions will be held in Curitiba, Paraná state, on November 21, 23, and 25.

After the decision, only Lula and Marisa's lawyers will be required to attend the hearings. On Thursday (Nov. 17), Judge Moro had requested court authorities in São Paulo to indict the couple.

A new ruling by Moro does not discharge Lula Institute head Paulo Okamotto, who is also facing charges.

Among the prosecution witnesses to be heard during the sittings are former Senator Delcídio do Amaral, former Petrobras directors Nestor Ceveró and Paulo Roberto Costa, foreign currency dealer Alberto Youssef, and cattle rancher José Carlos Bumlai, Lula's friend.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira