Lula rejects accusations in latest Brazilian corruption case

Lawyers for former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday criticized the fourth corruption case brought against him after a judge accepted formal charges that he had interfered in a government tender to buy new fighter jets. Lula, who was no longer president when the alleged illegal practices happened, was accused of using his influence over his successor's government to help Swedish plane maker Saab AB win the tender for 36 jets worth around $5.6 billion. The former presidents' lawyers said he had no role in the selection of the Saab Gripen fighter jets in December 2013 and obtained no illicit gains related to the deal.