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Lula Institute criticizes prosecutors'decision for disclosure of information

Xinhua, March 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Lula Institute, headed by former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on Saturday criticized prosecutors' decision to disclose information that suggests Lula's involvement in corruption.

In a press release, the institute called it "an irresponsible disclosure of the former president's connection before any serious investigation," after Lula was taken by police on Friday for questioning.

The prosecutors responsible for the case alleged that the Lula Institute and the former president received around 30 million reais (around 7 million U.S. dollars) in donations made by five companies implicated in the corruption scandal of the government-run oil company Petrobras.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who was hand-picked by Lula, slammed the police action against her predecessor.

"Illegal leaks and judging someone before they have had their right to defense do not help in finding the truth, they only serve to create intolerance and undemocratic rhetoric," Rousseff said.

Judge Sergio Moro, who is in charge of the case, said Saturday that the search and questioning do not mean Lula is guilty, but only serve to "clarify the truth." Endi