Mayor of Sao Paulo will fight court ruling

The mayor of the largest city in Brazil, Sao Paulo, said he will fight to remain in his post after a court found him guilty of involvement in a multi-million dollar financial fraud.

The mayor, Celso Pitta, was ordered to give up his office, have his political rights suspended for eight years and pay a thirty-two million-dollars fine.

The judge said there had been collusion between politicians and financial intermediaries to enrich themselves from city funds.

Mr Pitta said he will appeal against the court's ruling.

In the meantime, he will be able to remain in his post until his appeal is heard.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service