Political scandal in Guatemala turns president into prisoner

Americas Now

Guatemala is a country in the midst of political turmoil and rapid transition. After weeks of tension and intrigue, President Otto Perez Molina resigned in scandal in early September and shortly thereafter was put in jail.

It is the result of a corruption investigation and months of mass protests by Guatemalans that forced the resignations of not only Perez Molina but Vice President Roxana Baldetti and many others on Perez Molina’s staff.

The stunning shakeup comes just weeks before a presidential run-off is set to take place on Oct. 25th. While there is relief and satisfaction among many Guatemalans that the corruption crackdown has brought change, there is also concern about who will lead the country. The presidential contenders are a former First Lady, Sandra Torres, and a television comedian, Jimmy Morales.

Correspondent Harris Whitbeck reports from Guatemala City on the corruption probe that brought the government down. He talks to Guatemalans about the changes going on inside this Central American country and tells us what people are hoping for the most. 

Take a look at Harris Whitbeck’s story for Americas Now.

Political scandal in Guatemala turns president into prisoner

Guatemala is a country in the midst of political turmoil and rapid transition. After weeks of tension and intrigue, President Otto Perez Molina resigned in scandal in early September and shortly thereafter was put in jail. Harris Whitbeck reports from Guatemala City for "Americas Now" on the corruption scandal that brought the government down.