A federal judge on Thursday suspended the nomination of former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to a Cabinet-level post in the government, citing suspicion of obstruction of justice. Earlier this week, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff named Lula as her Chief-of-Staff. Lula was to have taken office later Thursday but his swearing in is now on hold. A spokesman for Rousseff said the government will appeal the injunction. By assuming the role of Presidential Chief-of-Staff, Lula would gain limited immunity from prosecution. Lula is currently under investigation for alleged influence-peddling and money laundering. A federal judge in Brasília, in issuing the ruling, said the manner and timing of Lula’s nomination raised suspicion that Rousseff was attempting to shield her predecessor from prosecution.
Link to government news agency release
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