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Former Brazilian president in jail

Corruption - Level 4

Brazil's ex-president Lula da Silva is in jail. He got a 12-year sentence for money laundering and corruption. It is a big downfall for him. He still has a lot of support. Hours before giving himself to the police, his supporters tried to stop him. Hundreds of union workers blocked the gate to stop his car. However, with the help of his bodyguards, he could get past the crowds. This meant there were no clashes with armed police.

Mr da Silva is known as Lula. He was born in poverty but worked his way up to become leader of Brazil. He was elected President in 2002 and served from 2003 to 2010. During this time, he started social welfare programs and improved the economy. He helped millions out of poverty. This increased his popularity. Barack Obama called him, "the most popular politician on Earth". When he left the presidency, his approval rating was 83 per cent.

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Corruption - Level 5

Brazil's ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is in jail. He was sentenced to 12 years behind bars for money laundering and corruption. It is a big downfall for the popular ex-leader. Mr da Silva still has huge support. Hours before giving himself to the police, his supporters were trying to stop him from going. Hundreds of supporters from a workers' union blocked the gate to stop Mr da Silva's car from leaving. It was only with the help of his bodyguards that he could get past the crowds. This meant clashes with armed police were avoided.

Mr da Silva is known as Lula. He was born in poverty but worked his way up workers' unions to become leader of South America's largest country. He was elected President in 2002 and served from 2003 to 2010. During his two terms, he started social welfare programs and improved the economy. This helped tens of millions out of poverty, which increased his popularity. Former U.S. President Barack Obama called him, "the most popular politician on Earth". When he left office, his approval rating was an impressive 83 per cent. He hopes to run for president again one day.

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Corruption - Level 6

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is in jail after surrendering to authorities on Saturday night. He was sentenced to spend 12 years behind bars after being found guilty of money laundering and corruption. It is a huge fall from grace for the still-popular ex-leader. Mr da Silva still has massive support and just hours before turning himself in to the police, his supporters were trying to stop him from going into custody. Hundreds of supporters from a metal workers' union blocked a gate where a car carrying da Silva was trying to leave to meet police officers. It was only with the help of his bodyguards that he could get through the crowds. This meant possible clashes with armed police were avoided.

Mr da Silva is affectionately known as Lula by his supporters. He was born in poverty and rose through the ranks of workers' unions to become leader of South America's largest country. He ran for the presidency several times before being elected to office in 2002. He governed from 2003 to 2010. During his two administrations, he initiated several social welfare programs and resurrected the economy. This helped tens of millions out of extreme poverty, which made him very popular. Former U.S. President Barack Obama once called da Silva, "the most popular politician on Earth". When he left office, his approval rating was an impressive 83 per cent. He hopes to overturn his conviction and run for president again.

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