Guatemala Protesters Call National Strike Against President
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An estimated 70,000 protesters filled a central plaza in Guatemala City on Thursday as part of a national strike that saw some businesses close and marchers block highways demanding President Otto Perez Molina resign for alleged bribery.
With at least five cabinet ministers having quit since Saturday, lawmakers formed a five-member committee of randomly selected legislators on Thursday to consider allegations that the president led a tax fraud scheme. Ruling party lawmaker Mario Linares will lead the committee, which could present its findings to the 158-member legislature Sept. 1. Congress will then vote on whether or not to revoke the president’s immunity from prosecution. Doing so requires 105 votes.