Release of tapped phone conversations between Rousseff and Lula triggers mass protests in Brazil

Protests have erupted across Brazilian cities after President Dilma Rousseff appointed her predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as chief of staff, and Judge Sergio Moro, the lead prosecutor in a two-year investigation into corruption at the state-run oil company, Petrobras, released nearly 50 audio recordings to the media on Wednesday evening.

#BRAZIL Protests continue following Lula's appointment as minister.

* Investors fear change in economic policy and drawn-out gridlock.

— LATAM PM (@latampm) March 17, 2016

Tens of thousands of Brazilians gathered in major cities across the country to demand the president’s resignation.

Critics argue that Lula’s appointment as chief of staff could help him avoid possible detention in an corruption investigation that has now touched the top of Brazil’s political leadership.

Lula was charged with money laundering and fraud and his recent appointment was slammed by opposition parties who view it as a desperate attempt by Rousseff to rally support against impeachment proceedings due to start on Thursday.

However, Rouseff rejects the accusations saying Lula was chosen for his experience and strong record of championing sound economic policies.

Currently, the Latin American country is facing the worst recession in years.