Former President Will Face Trial

MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Lawmakers stripped former Nicaraguan President Arnoldo Aleman of his immunity from prosecution Thursday, clearing the way for him to face charges that he stole nearly $100 million in public funds.

The measure, approved by a 47-45 vote, marked the first time in Nicaragua that presidential immunity has been revoked. Nine members of Aleman’s ruling Constitutionalist Liberal Party supported the motion, while the rest of the lawmakers in his party -- including Aleman himself -- voted against it.

President Enrique Bolanos served as Aleman’s vice president, but succeeded him in January pledging to clean up the country’s corrupt government, a campaign that has put him at odds with his predecessor.

Federal prosecutors allege that the former president diverted nearly $100 million in state funds to Panamanian bank accounts controlled by his family and then funneled the money to his party’s candidates. Aleman has denied any wrongdoing.

Aleman became a lawmaker after his four-year presidential term, and Thursday’s vote did not remove him from the legislature. It does ensure that prosecutors will take him to trial.