Guatemalan president stripped of immunity

Lawmakers in Guatemala have stripped President Otto Perez Molina of immunity, paving the way for criminal charges in a graft scandal. Competing crowds have massed outside the Central American nation's parliament.

Deutsche Welle, 2 Sep 2015

Guatemala's Congress stripped President Otto Perez Molina of immunity Tuesday as a widening scandal continues to engulf the former military officer's government.

The resolution was passed unanimously by the 132 lawmakers present, who had faced virulent demands from protesters to make the president face trial over an alleged multi-million-dollar fraud scheme at the national customs service.

The president, a 64-year-old retired general, denies any wrongdoing and has repeatedly said he will not resign. He has called on loyalists to take to the streets and thousands have already heeded the call.

Officials within the attorney general's office involved in the case told the Reuters news agency earlier in the day that prosecutors would be free to issue an arrest warrant against the president if his immunity was lifted.

Meanwhile, dozens of Perez Molina backers blocked access to the capitol. Interior Department Vice Minister Elmer Sosa also arrived with riot police to "guarantee the safety of protesters and Congress," and lawmakers were finally able to go inside and begin the session.

"It was impressive that the people themselves came and created a human chain and a path so we could enter," opposition legislator Leonel Lira told the AP news agency.

A divisive figure

University students march to the

 National Palace to take part in a strike

 calling for the resignation of the president, 

August 27, 2015.

Outside hundreds of anti-Perez Molina protesters sang, danced and sought shelter from the rain. Some offered food and sweets to police officers guarding the building.

The widening graft scandal has already claimed the job of former Vice President Roxana Baldetti, who is in jail awaiting trial on accusations she accepted millions in bribes in return for letting others avoid import duties. A number of Cabinet officials have also resigned.

Now that the president's immunity has been stripped it will pave the way for prosecution, though it is not clear yet what charges he would face.

jar/jr (Reuters, AP, AFP)

Guatemalan former President Otto Perez speaks during a hearing at the Tribunal

of Justice in Guatemala City on September 3, 2015 (AFP Photo/Johan Ordonez)

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