Brazil Judge Suspends Lula’s Appointment to Rousseff Cabinet

A federal judge in Brazil issued an injunction to suspend the appointment of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as President Dilma Rousseff’s chief of staff, further deepening a political crisis that has paralyzed Latin America’s largest nation.

Judge Itagiba Catta Preta Neto from Brasilia argued that Lula’s appointment could lead to his interference in police and judicial activities, according to a copy of the decision. He also said that Rousseff may have broken administrative laws.

Attorney General Jose Eduardo Cardozo said the government is appealing the injunction, adding that the cabinet appointment was legal. Lula is a minister, though he can’t perform all functions until the legal problems are resolved, he said.

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