Appeals judge orders release of Brazilian ex-president Temer from jail

BRASILIA (Reuters) - A Brazilian appeals court judge on Monday ordered the release of former President Michel Temer from jail, according to court documents, following his arrest on Thursday in connection with a corruption investigation.

Federal prosecutors have accused Temer, who was president from 2016 to 2018, of leading a "criminal organization" that had received or arranged for 1.8 billion reais (£358.2 million) in bribes through various kickback schemes. He has denied any wrongdoing.

(Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Additional reporting by Eduardo Simões in Sao Paulo, Rodrigo Viga Gaier in Rio de Janeiro; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)