Guatemala Corruption Scandal: Congress Removes Otto Perez Molina’s Immunity

Guatemala’s congress has voted to remove President Otto Perez Molina’s immunity following corruption allegations.

The vote paves the way for possible prosecution in a corruption scandal that has sparked huge protests in recent months.

Crowds outside Congress cheered to celebrate the news.

Prosecutors last week accused President Otto Perez Molina of masterminding a scheme to defraud the customs service of millions of dollars. He denies wrongdoing.

The resolution was passed by 132 votes in favor, well clear of the two-thirds majority needed to pass the motion in the 158-member congress.

Under Guatemalan law the president will be automatically removed from office if remanded in custody.

Otto Molina Perez’s former vice-president and a string of top officials have been force to resign over the scandal.

It comes as Guatemala prepares for presidential elections on September 6.

Investigators have alleged that officials received a cut from bribes paid by businesses seeking to evade import duties.