Brazil Politics: Prison time on horizon for former President Lula da Silva

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Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has lost an appeal on his conviction for corruption charges. A Supreme Court decision is the only thing keeping him out of prison. CGTN's Paulo Cabral reports from Sao Paulo.

PAULO CABRAL SAO PAULO "A Federal Court in Brazil rejected another appeal by the former president to overturn his conviction on corruption charges and the resulting prison sentence of just over 12 years.

In most cases, a defendant in this position would face immediate arrest. But this is Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and for now he'll remain free.

Last week, Brazil's Supreme Court issued a decision saying Lula can't be sent to prison before Justices decide on a defense request to keep the former president free until all his higher appeals are exhausted.

That ruling it set for April 4th. So, that's the soonest date we could see an arrest warrant issued - if the High Court rules against Lula. While Lulas's supporters have been encouraged that he's managed to stay out of prison so far, still challenges remain in the court battles ahead.

And it's looking more unlikely that Lula will be able to run for president again - his and his party's stated intention - because of a law preventing politicians convicted in criminal courts to be on the ballot.

Despite this uncertainty, Lula still leads all opinion pools - and continues to campaign as his Workers' Party's official candidate. Still, behind the scenes, we're hearing increased reports that party officials are at least acknowledging the possibility that Lula will be disqualified - and beginning to discuss alternative candidates

Paulo Cabral, CGTN, Sao Paulo."