El Salvador judge issues arrest order for ex-president facing charges over missing millions
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2005 file photo, former President of El Salvador Francisco Flores announces his candidacy for Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) at the presidential house in San Salvador, El Salvador. El Salvador's top prosecutors are seeking on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 the arrest of Flores, who is accused of embezzlement, illegal enrichment and disobedience. (AP Photo/Luis Romero, File) (The Associated Press)
A judge in El Salvador has issued an arrest order for former President Francisco Flores, who faces charges of embezzlement, illegal enrichment and disobedience.
Judge Marta Rosales on Tuesday asked Interpol for help in arresting Flores, who authorities believe has left El Salvador and could be in Panama.
The 53-year-old Flores was charged last week with embezzling $5.3 million while he was president from 1999 to 2004. He is also charged with mismanaging $10 million that was donated a decade ago by Taiwan's government during his presidency.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Flores has denied wrongdoing. He says he turned the money over to the intended state projects but has offered no proof of the handover.