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. Mr. Mendes wrote that Mr. Silva’s appointment by President Dilma Rousseff was clearly an attempt to get around his mounting legal woes.
Sprawling investigation
Two weeks ago, Mr. 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, Mr. Silva can only be prosecuted by a decision of the Supreme Court.
Mr. Mendes’ decision leaves Mr. 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.
