Guatemala president under pressure to step down

Pressure was growing on Thursday for Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina to resign, as businesses and government offices closed down in the capital amid street protests.

Perez Molina -- facing an impeachment process and possible indictment over a customs fraud scheme -- had not spoken in public since Sunday. He denied any involvement with the alleged corruption scandal and remained defiant that he would not step down.

The former ministers of defense and the interior, who recently resigned from Perez Molina's cabinet, had both fled the country, according to Guatemala's immigration service. His vice president had also been arrested.

The legislature is expected to vote next week whether to strip the president of immunity, thus opening the door to prosecution.

The demonstrations had gained momentum in recent days, and were joined by high ranking business leaders.

In a show of solidarity, famous fast food chains shuttered their restaurants on Thursday. Various hamburger and pizza outlets announced the move on social media.

Elsewhere, Guatemala's chamber of commerce called on its members to allow their employees to attend the demonstrations "as long as they are peaceful and law-abiding."

Guatemala is set to hold a general election on September 6.

The 64-year-old president, who has been in office since 2012, cannot run for re-election under the Guatemalan constitution.

jar/lw (AP, dpa)