Ousted Honduran president criticizes new corruption charges as political persecution
By APThursday, February 25, 2010
Ousted Honduran leader calls charges persecution
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — The former Honduran president ousted in a coup says new corruption charges against him amount to political persecution.
Manuel Zelaya says the charges undermine efforts to promote national reconciliation. He’s angry that the military chiefs who participated in his June 28 overthrow have been absolved while he faces more criminal charges.
Zelaya released his statement Thursday from exile in the Dominican Republic.
Honduras’ anti-corruption prosecutor is seeking to charge Zelaya with allegedly diverting $1.5 million in welfare funds to his campaign for a referendum on reforming the constitution.
Soldiers flew Zelaya out of Honduras at gunpoint after he defied a Supreme Court order to drop plans for the vote.
