Guatemala Top Court OKs Graft Inquiry Into President Morales

MONTEVIDEO (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 23rd August, 2018) Guatemalas Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday to allow a preliminary inquiry into alleged illegal financing of President Jimmy Morales electoral campaign, a judge said.

The inquiry into Morales and opposition lawmaker Nineth Montenegro was requested by the Attorney General's Office and the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala.

"The Supreme Court of Justice has decided to give the go-ahead to the request for a preliminary hearing against Jimmy Morales and Nineth Montenegro, both of whom are accused of illicit electoral financing," a magistrate said, as quoted by the Soy502 news website.

The final decision on whether to strip the president of immunity is up to Congress,w which voted against the move voted last September. Morales took office in 2016. He is accused of receiving more than $1 million in undeclared contributions in 2015.