Brazilian President Michel Temer has been charged with accepting millions of pounds worth of bribes.

Prosecutors claim Mr Temer “fooled Brazilian citizens” by receiving money from a meat packing firm in exchange for resolving tax matters and freeing up loans from state-run banks.

A Supreme Court judge will decide whether to send the charges to the lower house of parliament, which can approve a trial with a two-thirds majority vote.

Supporters of Mr Temer say they have between 250 and 300 votes in the 513 seat parliament – enough to block a trial.

Prosecutor Rodrigo Janot said there was 'abundant' proof Mr Temer accepted bribes

Image: Prosecutor Rodrigo Janot said there was ‘abundant’ proof Mr Temer accepted bribes

The charges state Mr Temer arranged to receive R$38m (£9m) from the meat packing firm over the next nine months.

Prosecutor Rodrigo Janot said the 76-year-old acted “in violation of his duties to the state and to society”, adding there was “abundant” proof he accepted bribes.

Mr Temer’s office declined to comment on the charges, but the President has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Janot is also investigating President Temer for alleged obstruction of justice and membership of a criminal group.

Former president Dilma Rousseff was impeached and removed from office

Image: Former president Dilma Rousseff was impeached and removed from office

As well as Mr Temer, four former presidents and dozens of politicians are under investigation for allegedly receiving bribes in return for lucrative contracts.

More than 90 people have been convicted.

Mr Temer was sworn in as President in September 2016, after his predecessor Dilma Rousseff was removed from office after being convicted of illegally using money from state banks to boost public spending.

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