Brazil's former president Lula to stand trial on charges related to the Petrobras scandal

Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is to stand trial on obstruction of justice charges related to the Petrobras corruption scandal.

Lula is one of seven accused of hindering the probe into the controversy.

Former Brazilian president Lula da Silva to stand trial on obstruction charges https://t.co/QiGOvQxIpQpic.twitter.com/EtiissbslP

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Operation Car Wash began as a money laundering investigation, but prosecutors uncovered a maze of corruption at the state run oil company.

Lula and his co-accused are charged with attempting to prevent former Petrobras director Nestor Cervero from testifying in a plea bargain deal.

Brazil's Corruption Probe Likely to Expand to Other Petrobras… https://t.co/tV2Jl4eOtcpic.twitter.com/ZjgmmIk8Wn

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Cervero has been jailed as the mastermind of the scam, estimated to have cost the company some $2bn.

Lula, who held office from 2003 to 2011 has denied any wrongdoing.