Guatemala seeks extradition of ex president

Guatemala is seeking the return of Jorge Serrano, although the country has no extradition treaty with Panama, where the former president currently lives.

Serrano fled Guatemala 20 years ago, following a decision by the army to oppose his plan to concentrate power in the presidency.

The then-president had previously suspended the Constitution, and dissolved Congress and the Supreme Court, allegedly as part of an effort to fight corruption.

Serrano, who was president from 1991 to 1993, would also face 15 charges of fraud and misappropriation of funds, if he were to face trial, which is uncertain.

Guatemala has previously tried to extradite him from Panama, without success.

Last May, Guatemala extradited another former president, Alfonso Portillo, to the United States, where he is accused of money laundering.