Corruption investigators detain former Brazilian President Lula da Silva for questioning

Euronews - The former Brazilian president Lula da Silva has been taken into custody for questioning as part of a probe by police into claims of bribery and money laundering.

Investigators are looking into allegations that Lula benefited from illegal kickbacks at the state oil company Petrobras which financed campaigns and expenses for his ruling Workers Party.

Outside the former president’s home there were scuffles as supporters protested against the police action.

Lula denies any wrongdoing and a foundation he formed has described his detention as an “aggression against the rule of law” and “unjustifiable”.

Lawmakers and some business executives have also been caught up in the investigation.

Police say they carried out 33 search warrants and 11 detention warrants on Friday in ‘Operation Carwash’, including in the hometown of the former president.