Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is in jail surrendering to authorities Saturday night. He was sentenced to spend 12 years bars after being found guilty money laundering and corruption. It is a huge fall from grace the still-popular ex-leader. Mr da Silva still has massive support and just hours turning himself in to the police, his supporters were trying to stop him from going custody. Hundreds 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 the help of his bodyguards that he could get the crowds. This meant possible clashes with armed police were avoided.
Mr da Silva is affectionately known as Lula his supporters. He was born poverty and rose the ranks of workers' unions to become leader South America's largest country. He ran the presidency several times before being elected to office in 2002. He governed 2003 to 2010. During his two administrations, he initiated several social welfare programs and resurrected the economy. This helped tens millions of extreme poverty, which made him very popular. Former U.S. President Barack Obama once called da Silva, "the most popular politician Earth". When he left office, his approval rating was an impressive 83 per cent. He hopes to overturn his conviction and run president again.
