Donald Trump He gave a blow to politics Honduras When announcing Pardon former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, He was convicted in the United States for drug smuggling The accused are in court allegedly Bribes from the Sinaloa Cartelincluding A $1 million attributed to Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. The announcement comes when there are hours left before that Presidential elections in HondurasIn which the National Party candidate, Nasri “Tito” Asfoura, is competing to succeed Xiomara Castro.
Juan Orlando Hernandez ruled Honduras between 2014 and 2022, for a total of two terms. In 2024, a federal court in New York He was sentenced to 45 years in prison To conspire to submit Hundreds of tons of cocaine in the United StatesIn addition to crimes related to the use of weapons.
The prosecution described it as Architect of the “drug state”. According to the file, the security forces and state agencies were accustomed to being under his administration Protecting large criminal organizations and ensuring the transit of drugs Towards the north of the continent, as detailed before BBC.
During the trial, several witnesses reported that Hernandez and his entourage greeted him Millions of dollars in bribes from various gangs, He added New York Times. Among the most resonant accusations is A The alleged payment of one million dollars Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmanwhich is directed by the former president’s brother, Tony Hernandez, to finance political campaigns and consolidate his power.
The former Honduran president always denied these accusations. He presented himself as Washington’s main partner in the fight against drugs and… He claimed to be the victim of a conspiracy by drug traffickers and political rivals. Its defenders talk about it “lawfare” And the political use of justice.
Trump announced the pardon through his networks and was later confirmed by official spokespeople. Republican A. promised “Complete and complete amnesty”Arguing that Hernandez was treated “extremely harshly” By the American judicial system.
What was most surprising wasn’t just the gesture, but the timing. The decision was announced in The final stage of the campaignas the country is already subject to an electoral ban. We still have hours before the polls open.
In parallel, Trump publicly praised Nasri Asfouracandidate of the National Party and political heir to the space that ruled under Hernandez. He noted that the continuity of economic and security assistance from the United States to Honduras will depend largely on… for the results of these elections.
He was President of Honduras between 2014 and 2022. Federal court in New York He was sentenced to 45 years in prison Charged with conspiracy to introduce large shipments of cocaine into the United States and to commit weapons crimes.
Witnesses in the federal proceedings declared that the Sinaloa Cartel, through Tony Hernandez, the former president’s brother, He gave a million dollar bribe On behalf of El Chapo to support Juan Orlando’s campaign and ensure the protection of his roads.
A few hours before the elections in Honduras, which will be held on Sunday, Trump announced that he would grant A “Complete and complete amnesty” to Hernandez, alleging he was treated unfairly. Forgiveness, once formalized, That would effectively vacate the federal conviction.
This announcement comes when there are still hours to vote. Trump’s pardon and explicit support for Nasri Asfoura is interpreted as a Trying to influence the outcome He linked American aid to the victory of the National Party candidate.
It could foster polarization, further damage trust in Honduran institutions, and send a signal that Washington’s political allies, even those convicted of drug trafficking, could be pardoned for electoral or strategic reasons.
This content was produced by the LA NACION team with the help of artificial intelligence.