Judge orders Guatemalan leader held

Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina acknowledges reporters at the end of a press conference, in Guatemala City, Monday, Aug. 31, 2015.
Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina acknowledges reporters at the end of a press conference, in Guatemala City, Monday, Aug. 31, 2015.

GUATEMALA CITY -- A Guatemalan judge on Wednesday issued an order to detain President Otto Perez Molina in a government corruption scandal.

Attorney General Thelma Aldana told Canal Antigua television late Wednesday that Judge Miquel Angel Galvez had granted her request for the order. The president will have to appear before the judge on accusations of illicit association, fraud and receiving bribe money in a widespread customs-fraud ring.

Perez Molina's attorney, Cesar Calderon, said the president will appear voluntarily and declare before the judge as soon as he receives confirmation that the order was issued.

He won't be arrested because he is cooperating with the process.

Galvez will decide the next step on the basis of the president's testimony, which could include stripping him of his position, jailing him or maintaining his job and freedom during the judicial process.

Perez Molina, 64, has maintained his innocence and vows to face the legal process. No formal charges have been filed.

The corruption scandal involved a scheme in which businessmen paid bribes to avoid import duties through the customs agency.

A Section on 09/03/2015

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