Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina resigns amid corruption scandal
The corruption scandal, uncovered by prosecutors and a U.N. commission probing criminal networks in Guatemala, involved a scheme known as “La Linea,” or “The Line,” in which businesspeople paid bribes to avoid import duties through the customs agency. The ring is believed to have defrauded the state of millions of dollars.
The scandal has already claimed the job of former Vice President Roxana Baldetti, whose ex-personal secretary is accused of being the ringleader. Baldetti resigned May 8 and is currently in jail awaiting trial on accusations she took millions of dollars in bribes.
Protesters fill the streets almost daily over the scandal, demanding not only that Perez Molina step down but that next Sunday’s presidential elections be postponed. He says delaying the vote would be against the law.
Perez Molina is constitutionally barred from seeking reelection, and whoever becomes his successor would take office in January.
Those voting against Perez Molina in congress included members of his own ruling party.
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http://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-guatemala-president-judge-order-20150902-story.html
