Mexican prosecutors have filed charges against Mexico City Mayor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador but say bail has been paid so the mayor will not have to go to jail.
Officials with Mexico's attorney general offices said late Wednesday that bail of about $180 was posted on the mayor's behalf by allies of President Vicente Fox.
Observers believe the action was taken to prevent Mr. Lopez Obrador from portraying himself as a martyr for his cause.
The charges against Mr. Lopez Obrador stem from his alleged failure to obey a court order to stop construction of a road on private land in 2001. The mayor denies any wrong doing and has said the charges have been fabricated by his political opponents.
Mr. Lopez Obrador, who is the country's most popular politician, has announced his bid for the presidency. However, if convicted, he would be barred from running.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
