Nicaragua leader charged with corruption

Former Nicaraguan President Arnoldo Aleman has been charged with fraud and money laundering for allegedly siphoning off millions of dollars of state funds during his term in office in the late 1990s.

Prosecutors accused Mr Aleman - as well as 14 of his close relatives and friends - of transferring over $10m of public money to private bank accounts in Panama.

Mr Aleman, who enjoys immunity from prosecution as chairman of Nicaragua's congress, has denied the allegations.

The current President, Enrique Bolanos, has condemned Mr Aleman and urged legislators to help eradicate corruption.

Correspondents say Mr Bolanos is putting pressure on legislators to vote in favour of lifting Mr Aleman's immunity.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service