Guatemala jails former President Perez Molina

A Guatemalan judge has ordered former President Otto Perez Molina to be held in jail overnight to "ensure the continuity of the hearing."

No charges have been filed against the former president, who denies any wrongdoing.

But investigators claim the 64-year-old conservative received $3.7 million (3.3 million euros) in import bribes in exchange for discounts on customs duties, according to prosecutor Antonio Morales.

In a unanimous vote in Guatemala City on Thursday, 116 lawmakers (41 abstentions) convened to decide whether to accept the resignation of Perez Molina, who shocked Guatemalans earlier by stepping down.

Two days earlier, Congress had stripped Perez Molina of his immunity, opening the president up to charges of massive corruption during his tenure.

Vice President Alejandro Maldonado was immediately sworn in as acting head of state, in a session viewed by millions of Guatemalans on national television.

The 79-year-old former diplomat said he had asked all cabinet members to put their posts at his disposition and announced that he would invite those who have been protesting against corruption to propose "young professionals" to join his new government.

Stealing from the state?

Perez Molina's resignation came on the heels of prolonged protests and demonstrations, which often turned violent.

Perez Molina, a retired general, cast a forlorn appearance as prosecutors read their accusations before the Supreme Court, lowering his eyes as wire-tapped phone calls were played that implicate him in a scheme to defraud the state.

Prosecutors have already charged Perez Molina's former vice president Roxana Baldetti, who stepped down in May, with taking $3.8 million in bribes during 2014. Morales claimed Perez Molina was also "part of a criminal group in operation since May 2014 with the objective of stealing from the state."

Praise from abroad

Washington was quick to announce its acceptance of Thursday's congressional vote, also lauding the Guatemalan people for the protracted process that led to Perez Molina's unprecedented resignation.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the Obama administration was "ready to work" with Vice President Alejandro Maldonado in his new capacity, adding that Washington was eager to help the country move forward in its time of turmoil.

"We commend the people of Guatemala and their institutions for the manner in which they have dealt with this crisis, and continue to underscore our support for Guatemala's democratic and constitutional institutions," Earnest said.

Tough road ahead

The resignation comes at a time of tumult for Guatemalans; not only does it follow months of protest, it also comes ahead of presidential and congressional elections slated for Sunday.

Ahead of the vote, the United Nations warned of a risk of "violence on voting day."

Rights groups have reported recent cases of political party activists attacking protesters, and some 10 candidates were murdered this year between March and August.

In a testament to Guatemalans' exasperation with the ruling political class, a poll published Thursday showed that actor Jimmy Morales, in his first attempt at politics, was the leading candidate.

The poll gave Morales 25 percent support, just ahead of the former frontrunner, right-wing lawyer Manuel Baldizon, and former first lady Sandra Torres, at 18 percent.

The most likely scenario to ensue from Sunday's election will be a runoff between two of the three candidates, slated for October 25.

glb/rg (AFP, AP, Reuters, dpa)