Supporters of jailed former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are marching through the Brazilian capital to the court where his party plans to register his candidacy for president.
Da Silva began serving a sentence for a corruption conviction in April. But he continues to lead polls for October's presidential election.
The former president and his supporters say he is innocent and that the charges were trumped up to prevent him from returning to office.
Supporter holds a photo of Brazil's jailed former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, as he takes part in the Free Lula March, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Aug.15 2018. Thousands of supporters of the jailed leader and a current presidential candidate, are in Brasilia to monitor the registration of Lula's presidential candidacy, which will be held today by the Workers' Party in the Superior Electoral Court. (AP PhotoEraldo Peres)
Da Silva's Workers' Party is registering his candidacy with the Supreme Electoral Court on Wednesday, the filing deadline. It's widely expected that the court will eventually bar him from running.
Under Brazilian law, defendants such as da Silva who have had their convictions upheld cannot hold office for eight years.
Supporters holding a photo of Brazil's jailed former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva takes part in the Free Lula March, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Aug.15 2018. Thousands of supporters of the jailed leader and a current presidential candidate, are in Brasilia to monitor the registration of Lula's presidential candidacy, which will be held today by the Workers' Party in the Superior Electoral Court. (AP PhotoEraldo Peres)