Avast, ye mateys! Guatemala's ex-captain be freed, escapin' the brig after years. Land ho, 'tis a rare sight!
2024-01-04
Avast ye scallywags! Pérez Molina, bein' guilty in a monstrous scheme o' corruption, may yet find himself back in the brig, despite bein' temporarily set free. 'Tis a future filled wit' visits to the authorities, keepin' a watchful eye on that scurvy dog!
Former President Otto Pérez Molina of Guatemala has been released from prison for the first time since his resignation and arrest in 2015. He was able to post bond of over $10.3 million quetzales ($1.3 million), according to his lawyer. Pérez Molina had been convicted and sentenced to 16 years in prison in December 2022 for his involvement in a bribery scheme known as "La Linea" or "The Line." However, he appealed the sentence, and it has not yet been confirmed, allowing him to be eligible for bond and release.Pérez Molina's lawyer stated that they had filed for this alternative measure, which had already been granted beforehand. The bond posted enabled the former president to regain his freedom while his appeal is being considered, with the condition that he cannot leave Guatemala and must check in with prosecutors every 30 days.
In September, Pérez Molina had also been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of fraud, money laundering, and bribery in another case during his administration. However, the judge ruled that this sentence could be commutable by making a payment, which Pérez Molina did in November.
Pérez Molina's resignation in 2015 came amidst massive protests fueled by corruption allegations. His Vice President Roxana Baldetti was also convicted on corruption charges. Both Pérez Molina and Baldetti were implicated in the customs graft scheme known as "La Linea," which involved a conspiracy to defraud the state through businesses evading import duties in exchange for bribes. Around 30 others, including customs officials and business people, were also implicated in the case.
Pérez Molina's prosecution was seen as a significant step in Guatemala's fight against corruption, supported by the United Nations-backed anti-corruption mission CICIG. However, the CICIG was later expelled by President Jimmy Morales, and much of its work has been undone in recent years. President-elect Bernardo Arévalo has vowed to bring back anti-corruption prosecutors and judges who have been forced to flee the country.