Lula exempted from hearing all his 87 defense witnesses

Former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will no longer have to attend the hearings where his 87 defense witnesses will be heard by Federal Judge Sérgio Moro in the case where Lula is charged under Operation Car Wash. The decision was released Thursday (May 4) following a request made by Lula.

Two weeks ago, Judge Sergio Moro had ruled that Lula should be present to hear the testimonies of all 87 people, among them erstwhile Federal Police Director Luiz Fernando Correa and Paulo Lacerda, in addition to former Comptroller General head Jorge Hage.

According to Federal Judge Nivaldo Brunoni, the defendant's attendance at witness hearings is optional, and his counsel can take his place, especially when the defendant does not live where the case is being tried.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira