Human wall shields Guatemala deputies debating stripping leader's immunity

Human wall shields Guatemala deputies debating stripping leader's immunity

Supporters of President Otto Pérez Molina tried to stop legislators entering congress for a vote to allow president’s prosecution over corruption claims

Associated Press in Guatemala City
Tuesday 1 September 2015 17.53 EDT

Guatemalan civilians who support the ousting of President Otto Pérez Molina have formed a wall of bodies to let lawmakers into Congress, protecting them from presidential loyalists trying to prevent a vote on withdrawing the leader’s immunity from prosecution in a corruption scandal.

Dozens of Pérez Molina backers had blocked access to the capitol since the morning in an attempt to delay the proceedings, which are similar to impeachment and could lead to criminal charges. The interior department vice-minister Elmer Sosa also arrived with riot police to “guarantee the safety of protesters and congress”, and lawmakers were finally able to go inside.

“It was impressive that the people themselves came and created a human chain and a path so we could enter,” said opposition legislator Leonel Lira.

A commission of lawmakers has recommended that Pérez Molina’s immunity of office be withdrawn, and now the issue is before the full congress. A vote of 105 of the 158 representatives is required to approve the measure.

More:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/01/guatemala-human-wall-deputies-president-impeachment-debate