Former Brazilian president vows to fight corruption conviction

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is vowing to fight his conviction for corruption and money laundering, a landmark decision that could send him to prison for nearly 10 years. Silva is the highest-ranking Brazilian politician convicted in the far-reaching corruption investigation that also threatens sitting President Michel Temer. Prosecutors have charged dozens of the country’s political and business leaders and recovered more than $3 billion in stolen money. Several hundred Silva supporters took to the streets of Sao Paulo on Wednesday to protest the ruling. Silva’s attorneys say their client is a victim of “lawfare,” the use of the law for political gain. Prosecutors accused the 71-year-old Workers’ Party leader of accepting a beachfront apartment and its subsequent repairs from construction company OAS. Silva also faces charges in four other cases. He denies all wrongdoing.