Brazil's Congress speaker to face corruption charges

Brazil's Supreme Court said on Thursday that Cunha should stand trial for his alleged crimes, adding a new twist in an already complicated story that sees some of the country's top officials - including President Rousseff - mired in scandal.

Cunha, the speaker of the lower house of Congress, stands accused of taking some $5 million in bribes in connection with a contract by state-owned oil company Petrobras.

The decision came amid Cunha's own effort to impeach Rousseff, whom he claims violated fiscal laws. Some observers believe the speaker's legal woes will put a dent in his plan to have the president removed from office.

Accusations grow

Meanwhile, a magazine in Brazil reported that Delcidio do Amaral, a former top ally of Rousseff's who was arrested last year in connection with Petrobras, said he would testify against the president.

Cunha, who has denied any wrongdoing, is charged with corruption and money laundering. It's still not clear if he'll be able to continue serving in his position in Congress during the legal proceedings.

Rousseff has been blamed for the current recession in Brazil, on track to become the worst ever recorded in the country.

blc/bw (AFP, AP)