President or prisoner? Many Brazilians think one of those two roads lies ahead for former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is due in court on Wednesday on corruption charges.
Lula is facing five charges related to the Car Wash scandal, a three-year investigation that has embroiled more than 100 politicians.
If convicted, he could face jail. If he gets off, he could return to the presidency in the 2018 elections.
Lula will give his testimony at a court in the southern city of Curitiba, where hundreds of his red-shirted supporters have been gathering to protest.
His critics are also watching closely, although the case’s judge posted a Facebook video to discourage anti-corruption demonstrators from also descending on the city for a rival march.
His lawyers have made various failed attempts to delay his court appearance.
This first case, which is being tackled in court on Wednesday, accuses Lula of taking bribes from a construction company that allegedly renovated a beachfront apartment for him.
He is also accused of money laundering, influence peddling and obstruction of justice.
A group of Lula’s supporters gather ahead of the court hearing
Lula is typically loved or hated in Brazil.
Wednesday will be the first time Lula and the powerful judge in charge of the Car Wash case, Sergio Moro, come face to face in court.
Lula says Judge Moro is politically-motivated and believes there is a witch-hunt against him.
Mr Moro is expected to hand down his verdict in 45 to 60 days.
Like a crowd before a boxing match, Brazilians will be split cheering on each contender.
Thousands of Lula’s supporters are to rally in the city of Curitiba in his defence. Backers of the Car Wash operation will follow closely to see who has the upper hand.
But Lula won’t be speaking to the judge only. He is the front-runner in next year’s presidential elections, and his words will doubtless be measured to convey the right message to voters across the country.
Lula could eventually face prison or lose his political rights. But he could still become the next Brazilian president.
What happens in the courtroom will help seal his fate.
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