Captured Mexican ex-governor appears in Guatemala court
GUATEMALA CITY — A Mexican fugitive ex-governor who became a powerful symbol of alleged corruption in his country appeared Wednesday before a Guatemalan court that will consider his possible extradition.
Former Veracruz state Gov. Javier Duarte arrived at the tribunal in a police van that was mobbed by reporters, whose shouted questions he declined to answer. He emerged wearing a bulletproof vest over a plaid shirt, was escorted inside and consulted with his lawyers.
The 43-year-old Duarte was arrested Saturday night at a hotel in Panajachel, a lakeside tourist town in Guatemala’s highlands, six months after he abruptly resigned and dropped out of sight.
In the past, he has denied accusations he ran a ring that allegedly stole millions of dollars from government coffers. He also denied last year that he controlled any overseas accounts or ill-gotten property.