Guatemalan president jailed after resigning

(Vatican Radio) The president of Guatemala has resigned and been jailed on corruption charges, ahead of the country's presidential election on Sunday. 

Listen to James Blears' report:

What a way to end a Presidency in Guatemala!  Gray haired and gray faced, Otto Perez Molina has legally had his immunity from prosecution stripped away.

The former head of Military Intelligence, chief of the Presidential Staff, chief military negotiator in ending Guatemala's 36 year civil war, founder of the Patriotic Party, and National leader, Mr. Perez Molina resigned as the nation's President and was arrested and has been jailed in the Matamoros Military Prison in Central Guatemala.

Perez Molina flatly denied any involvement in a multi-million dollar scandal involving bribes to avoid paying customs duties on luxury imported goods. 

In the trial and tribulations ahead, perhaps he might do well to recall his origial election pledge: "Firm hand, head and heart!"

His former Vice President Roxana Baldetti resigned in May, and is jailed awaiting trial.  79 year old former Judge Alejandro Maldonaldo, who replaced her, has now been sworn in as Guatemals's President.

On Sunday, there's a presidential election in Guatemala and the new leader will take office in January.

Another apt pledge might be: "Do your duty...and pay your duties!"