Former Guatemalan president leaves prison for first time since 2015 after posting bond
Former Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina was released from prison — the first time since his resignation and arrest in 2015 — after posting bond.
GUATEMALA CITY — Former Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina was released from prison — the first time since his resignation and arrest in 2015 — after posting bond of more than $10.3 million quetzales ($1.3 million), according to his lawyer.
Pérez Molina was convicted and sentenced to 16 years in prison in December 2022 for a bribery scheme known locally as “La Linea” or “The Line.” But under Guatemala’s multi-step sentencing process, he appealed and the sentence has not yet been confirmed, making him eligible to post bond. He was released Wednesday night.
“We filed this alternative measure that had already been granted beforehand,” said César Calderón, Pérez Molina’s lawyer.
The bond posted allowed the former president to regain his freedom while the appeal is considered. He is not allowed to leave Guatemala and must check in with prosecutors every 30 days.
Pérez Molina was also sentenced to eight years in prison in September after pleading guilty to charges of fraud, money laundering and bribery in a separate case during his administration. But the judge ruled that that sentence was commutable by making a payment, which Pérez Molina did in November.
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