US Grants Political Asylum To Guatemala Ex Anti-corruption Prosecutor
Umer Jamshaid Published February 25, 2020 | 09:30 AM
Guatemala City, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Feb, 2020 ) :The United States on Monday granted political asylum to Guatemala's former anti-corruption prosecutor Thelma Aldana, who fled to the US last year after a warrant was issued for her arrest over graft.
Aldana was accused in March 2019 of the irregular purchase of a building for the public prosecutor and the creation of fake jobs during her 2014-18 tenure.
She denied the accusations and claims they were aimed at punishing her for fighting graft in the Central American country.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee announced Aldana's asylum on Twitter.
"Thelma is a champion for justice and this is a major victory in the international fight against corruption," committee chairman Eliot Engel said.
Aldana, 64, won the Swedish Rights Livelihood prize in 2018 for her work against corruption and abuse of power.
Guatemala said last week it intended to ask the US to extradite her.
Aldana left Guatemala for El Salvador after the accusations, which also forced her to abandon a run for the presidency.
She subsequently traveled to the US.
In 2017, Aldana allegedly approved the purchase of a building for around 10 percent more than its true value, according to investigators.
Aldana says the accusations against her are retribution for her collaboration with the UN's International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG).
The UN body's 12-year mission came to an end in September when then-president Jimmy Morales closed it down after being angered by its calls for his immunity to be lifted so he could be investigated over alleged illegal campaign funding.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
SIC chief asks PTI leaders to resign from assemblies
Pakistan working tirelessly to eradicate polio from country: PM
IHC Justice Sattar dismisses pleas moved by FIA, PEMRA and PTA in audio leaks ca ..
Gillespie, Kirsten feature in 48th edition of PCB Podcast
Security forces kill four terrorists in Tank
Fake immoral video of Ducky Bhai's wife goes on viral on social media
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 April 2024
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 April 2024
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
18 hours ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
1 day ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
1 day ago -
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
2 days ago -
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
3 days ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
3 days ago
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
6 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
7 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
8 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
8 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
8 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
8 days ago