Pele's son's lawyer seeks to revoke prison order

A petition for a writ of habeas corpus was filed with the Superior Court of Justice by the counsel of Edson Cholbi do Nascimento (known as “Edinho”), a former goalkeeper with Santos F. C. and son of Brazil's star footballer Pelé.

The former goalkeeper's lawyer, Eugênio Malavassi, said his request follows a new ruling handed down Thursday (23) at the São Paulo Court of Justice, ordering Edinho under arrest in the judgment of his appeal from conviction of money laundering and conspiracy to sell drugs—he was sentenced to 12 years and 10 months in prison. Over the course of his trial, Edinho was jailed on three occasions.

He had been awarded a 33 years' prison sentence and was awaiting trial on his appeal from final judgment at liberty. He should be arrested once his prison order is published. “Edinho will turn himself in to the authorities as soon as his prison warrant is issued,” his lawyer said, adding he is going to appeal further.

Translated by Mayra Borges