Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted on drug trafficking and weapons charges in 2024, is set to receive a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. Hernandez, serving a 45-year prison sentence, will benefit from this decision announced via social media on Friday. Trump stated that many esteemed individuals believe Hernandez was “treated very harshly and unfairly.”
Pardon for Drug Trafficking Convictions
Hernandez was found guilty in March 2023 for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. Following his extradition on April 21, 2022, he has been incarcerated at the U.S. Penitentiary in Hazelton, West Virginia. His legal representative, Renato C. Stabile, expressed gratitude towards Trump for what he termed a rectification of a great injustice and expressed hope for enhanced U.S.-Honduras relations.
Reactions and Political Implications
- Renato C. Stabile praised Trump’s intervention.
- Another attorney, Sabrina Shroff, opted not to comment.
Trump’s post regarding Hernandez was part of a larger endorsement of Nasry “Tito” Asfura in the upcoming Honduran presidential election. Asfura, aged 67, is vying for presidency under the conservative National Party and has previously served as the mayor of Tegucigalpa. He is recognized for his plans to address the nation’s infrastructure issues, despite facing accusations of embezzlement, which he has denied.
Honduras Election: A Critical Moment
The election is seen as pivotal for democracy, with Trump cautioning that failure for Asfura could lead Honduras towards a fate similar to Venezuela. Other candidates include Rixi Moncada from the Libre Party, former finance and defense secretary, and Salvador Nasralla from the Liberal Party, marking his fourth presidential attempt.
U.S. Stance on Honduras
The outgoing Honduran President, Xiomara Castro, has embraced a leftist approach while maintaining cooperative ties with the U.S. She has recently moderated hardline stances, contributing to ongoing military collaboration and the extradition treaty with the United States. Honduras has been a transit point for deported Venezuelans back to their homeland.
Argentine President Javier Milei has also shown support for Asfura, affirming him as the candidate opposing leftist leadership that he claims has disrupted Honduras.
