Guatemala City, September 2 (teleSUR-RHC)-- A Guatemalan federal judge prohibited President Otto Perez Molina from leaving the country on Tuesday.  The ruling came hours after Congress stripped the head of state of his immunity to face trial on corruption charges.

“The prosecutor's office requested a court hold against Otto Perez, and this was granted by Judge Miguel Angel Galvez,” the prosecuting team said.  Attorney General Thelma Aldana told local reporters they requested the president's court hold because “the possibility of leaving the country always exists.”

Aldana warned that her office will soon be requesting the arrest of the president.  She gave no precise date for his arrest, saying she needs to meet with the prosecuting team to determine the details.

Although only 105 votes were needed, 132 lawmakers unanimously voted to strip the president of his immunity.  The other 26 lawmakers which make up the parliament did not attend the session, most of them (22) from the governing LIDER party.

“This is an historic day because, through legal means, the Congress helps in building this democratic process in Guatemala which has cost so many lives and sacrifices,” said a Guatemalan lawmaker.

Crowds gathered outside the parliament to show support for the removal of immunity.  Once the results of the vote were known, hundreds of Guatemalans sang the national anthem in celebration.