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Arrest warrant issued for Guatemala President Perez Molina Arrest warrant issued for Guatemala President Perez Molina
(about 1 hour later)
An arrest warrant has been issued against Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina, according to the public prosecutor's office.An arrest warrant has been issued against Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina, according to the public prosecutor's office.
On Tuesday, congress voted to remove his immunity from prosecution amid corruption allegations.On Tuesday, congress voted to remove his immunity from prosecution amid corruption allegations.
Prosecutors accuse the president of masterminding a scheme to defraud the customs service of millions of dollars, allegations he denies.Prosecutors accuse the president of masterminding a scheme to defraud the customs service of millions of dollars, allegations he denies.
A judge has barred Mr Perez Molina from leaving the country.A judge has barred Mr Perez Molina from leaving the country.
The president, whose term runs out in January, will now be summoned to appear before a court.The president, whose term runs out in January, will now be summoned to appear before a court.
The detention order was signed by judge Miguel Angel Galvez, the prosecutor's office said.The detention order was signed by judge Miguel Angel Galvez, the prosecutor's office said.
A spokesman for Mr Perez Molina had earlier said the president would be "very respectful and submit himself to the rule of law".A spokesman for Mr Perez Molina had earlier said the president would be "very respectful and submit himself to the rule of law".
On Tuesday, all members of congress present at the vote endorsed a move to strip the president of his immunity.On Tuesday, all members of congress present at the vote endorsed a move to strip the president of his immunity.
They included members of the president's own party.They included members of the president's own party.
A previous vote to remove his immunity failed last month.A previous vote to remove his immunity failed last month.
But since then, more details of the corruption scandal have emerged and calls for the president to resign have increased.But since then, more details of the corruption scandal have emerged and calls for the president to resign have increased.
Analysis: Katy Watson, BBC News, Guatemala City Analysis: Katy Watson, BBC News
A vote in favour of removing immunity was expected but it did not stop the nerves - would enough politicians turn up and would members of the president's party vote against him? This would have been unthinkable just a few months ago. But so much has changed and Guatemalans feel empowered by what's happening with their country's politics.
When the results came in, there was lots of clapping and cheering. Guatemalans couldn't be happier. The demonstration outside the congress building turned into a party, with people chanting: "Yes we could!" Mr Perez Molina has repeatedly denied the allegations, and despite calls for him to step down, he has so far refused to listen.
For the past four months, Guatemalans have been going out on the streets to protest over government corruption and calling for the president to resign. His lawyer says he is prepared to face the accusations against him. Now with an arrest warrant, Guatemalans angry over government corruption are a step closer to seeing that happen.
This paves the way for the country's leader to be tried like any ordinary citizen and there is a sense of relief that, finally, politicians are not above the law.
Investigators allege that government officials received a cut from bribes paid by businesses seeking to evade import duties.Investigators allege that government officials received a cut from bribes paid by businesses seeking to evade import duties.
Vice-President Roxana Baldetti and a string of top officials have been forced to resign over the scandal.Vice-President Roxana Baldetti and a string of top officials have been forced to resign over the scandal.
Ms Baldetti is in jail awaiting trial on charges of taking millions of dollars in bribes.Ms Baldetti is in jail awaiting trial on charges of taking millions of dollars in bribes.
The president was stripped of his immunity just days before presidential elections on Sunday.The president was stripped of his immunity just days before presidential elections on Sunday.
Some protesters have demanded that the polls be postponed, but officials argue that it would be against the law.Some protesters have demanded that the polls be postponed, but officials argue that it would be against the law.
Mr Otto Perez Molina is barred by the constitution from standing again.Mr Otto Perez Molina is barred by the constitution from standing again.