Brazil's ex-president Lula to stand trial for corruption

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrives to a news conference with international media in Sao Paulo, Brazil, March 28, 2016. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker


SAO PAULO Brazil's iconic former leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will stand trial on corruption charges, a crusading federal judge ruled on Tuesday.

Judge Sergio Moro said that Lula, the most powerful political force in Brazil during the last two decades, will be judged for allegedly accepting 3.7 million reais ($1.11 million) in bribes connected to the sweeping kickback probe at state-run oil company Petrobras.




India backs off major retaliation over Kashmir raid, for now


SRINAGAR, India/NEW DELHI For all the shrill rhetoric immediately following Sunday's attack on an Indian army camp in Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan, the threat of a sudden escalation in hostilities between the nuclear-armed rivals has receded for now.




Jordan's rebranded Islamists seen staging election comeback


AMMAN Jordan's moderate Islamist opposition could emerge from Tuesday's parliamentary election with renewed influence after surviving government attempts to ban it as part of a wider crackdown on political Islam.




Phantom voters, smuggled ballots hint at foul play in Russian vote


UFA/SARANSK Russia Voters across Russia handed a sweeping victory to President Vladimir Putin's allies in a parliamentary election on Sunday. But in two regions Reuters reporters saw inflated turnout figures, ballot-stuffing and people voting more than once at three polling stations.