Court papers reveal Brazilian President got $4.6m in bribes

Court papers reveal Brazilian President got $4.6m in bribes

Brazil’s President Michel Temer reacts as he speaks at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, May 18, 2017. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

Brazil’s Supreme Court released plea-bargain testimony on Friday that includes accusations President Michel Temer received 15 million reais ($4.6 million) in bribes in 2014 before he took office from executives of meatpacking giant JBS SA.

The testimony also claims former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva received $50 million in bribes in offshore accounts from JBS, while ex-President Dilma Rousseff took $30 million in bribes in offshore accounts.

Lawyers for Lula did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A lawyer for Rousseff could not immediately be located. Both former leaders have repeatedly proclaimed their innocence.