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Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in jail after to authorities on Saturday night. He was sentenced to 12 years behind bars after being guilty of money laundering and corruption. It is a huge fall from grace for the still-popular ex-leader. Mr da Silva still has massive support and just hours before turning himself in to the police, his supporters were to stop him from going into custody. Hundreds of supporters from a metal workers' union a gate where a car carrying da Silva was trying to to meet police officers. It was only with the help of his bodyguards that he could through the crowds. This possible clashes with armed police were .

Mr da Silva is affectionately as Lula by his supporters. He was born in poverty and through the ranks of workers' unions to become leader of South America's largest country. He for the presidency several times before being elected to office in 2002. He from 2003 to 2010. During his two administrations, he several social welfare programs and the economy. This tens of millions out of extreme poverty, which made him very popular. Former U.S. President Barack Obama once da Silva, "the most popular politician on Earth". When he office, his approval rating was an impressive 83 per cent. He hopes to his conviction and run for president again.