El Salvador's former president Francisco Flores appeared in court Friday to face charges of misappropriating $15 million donated by Taiwan while in office. Flores, who has been in hiding since February, turned up unexpectedly with his lawyer at a San Salvador court. Police also showed up to carry out an arrest warrant in effect since May 6.
"They have read him his rights, the crimes of which he is accused and for which his detention is required," court spokesman Ulises Marinero said. "It will be the court together with the prosecutors who will decide where Flores will be sent to prison," he said. A local television station showed images of Flores dressed in a suit, calmly seated in a courtroom. Flores, who was president of the small Central American country from 1999 to 2004, claims to be a victim of political persecution.