Brazil's ex-President Lula freed from prison

Brazil’s former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been freed after more than 18 months in prison over corruption charges.

"I didn't think that today I could be here talking to the men and women that during 580 days shouted good morning, good afternoon or goodnight, no matter if it was raining or 40 degrees [Celsius]," he told his supporters outside the prison. 

A Brazilian judge had ordered his release after a Supreme Court ruling said defendants should only be imprisoned if they have exhausted their appeal options.

The 74-year-old politician, who is usually simply known as Lula, tweeted the words "Lula Free."

Lula was imprisoned in April 2018 after an appeal court upheld an earlier sentence for corruption and money laundering.