Brazil's top electoral court has ruled that jailed former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is barred from running in October's presidential elections. The decision came after a dramatic late-night session broadcast live, and defied a request from the United Nations human rights committee that he be allowed to stand.
Lula, who is serving a 12-year sentence for corruption and money laundering, leads polling in Brazil's most unpredictable election in decades. The ruling also banned him from campaign advertisements. His defence said it would appeal to the supreme court.
The court's majority argued that the UN recommendation could not supersede a 'clean slate' law barring candidates convicted of serious crimes. Lula's Workers' Party attacked the decision, vowing to fight for his candidacy. 'We will defend Lula in the streets,' said party president Gleisi Hoffman.
Lula's conviction, upheld in January, stems from a corruption case involving a renovated apartment. He proclaims his innocence, calling the sentence politically motivated. His vice-presidential candidate Fernando Haddad is expected to take over the candidacy.
