Former Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina Released on Bond

Pérez Molina, previously sentenced for bribery and corruption, regains freedom while appeal is considered.

Former Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina has been released from prison on a $1.3 million bond, the first time since his arrest and resignation in 2015.
Pérez Molina was convicted and sentenced to 16 years in prison for a bribery scheme known as 'La Linea' but has appealed the sentence, making him eligible for bond.
He was also sentenced to eight years for fraud, money laundering and bribery in a separate case, but this sentence was commuted after a payment was made.
Pérez Molina and his Vice President Roxana Baldetti were implicated in a customs graft scheme that involved businesses evading import duties in exchange for bribes.
President-elect Bernardo Arévalo has promised to bring back many of the anti-corruption prosecutors and judges who have been forced to flee the country.