Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, has walked free after President Donald Trump pardoned the man once characterised as the key figure in a drug trafficking scheme that flooded America with over 400 tonnes of cocaine.
Trump stated that Hernández, sentenced to 45 years in prison by a US court, is a victim of political persecution and has been 'treated very harshly and unfairly'.
This pardon has surprised some experts given the seriousness of the charges and Trump’s administration's commitment to cracking down on illegal drugs flowing into the US.
Hernández's political journey began in 2013 when he ran as a candidate for the conservative National Party. However, his administration faced serious allegations, including accepting bribes from notorious drug lord El Chapo and running a drug-trafficking operation.
His arrest and extradition in 2022 were linked to a broader investigation into drug trafficking involving the Honduran National Police. During the trial, US prosecutors detailed how Hernández used his position to protect drug routes in exchange for bribes, leading to his conviction for drug trafficking.
The pardon, however, has been defended by Trump, suggesting that Hernández was unfairly targeted by the Biden administration. This decision has raised eyebrows among political analysts questioning its alignment with the U.S. government’s drug policies.
The political climate in Honduras is also affected as Trump has endorsed another National Party candidate, Tito Asfura, strengthening ties between U.S. politics and Honduran leadership. As the situation unfolds, experts caution about the implications this has for future drug policy and international relations.
