Brazil president to present graft defense Wednesday

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July 5, 2017 1:21 AM

Temer's defense team will make its case to a committee in Congress that will draw up a recommendation on whether he should face trial over the allegations.

Brazilian President Michel Temer speaks during a ceremony to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the Accountability Act of State Companies, at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, on June 29, 2017

Lawyers for Brazils President

"There will be a written submission followed by an oral defense" on Wednesday, one of the lawyers, Gustavo Bonini Guedes, told AFP.

Temer faces a series of hearings before lawmakers vote on whether he should face a criminal trial over allegations he took bribes.

Former vice-president Temer took over as president last year after his leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff was impeached on charges of financial wrongdoing.

Temer is trying to push through reforms to save Brazil from recession. But his time in office has been blighted by the resignations of ministers and corruption claims creeping ever closer to his door.

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