Brazil court to rule on ex-leader Lula’s jail term

Tensions are rising ahead of Wednesday’s Supreme Court ruling on whether to accept former president’s argument that he cannot be sent to jail to serve a 12-and-a-half year sentence for corruption until he has exhausted all appeals.

Thousands of Brazilians have protested across the country, calling for former President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva to be jailed following his corruption conviction.

There were also rival demonstrations, in support of Lula, the day before the Supreme Court decides whether he should start his sentence.

Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman reports from Sao Paulo, Brazil.