Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández Freed After Trump Pardon

UPDATE: Former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández has been released from prison after receiving a pardon from Donald Trump, officials confirmed today. Hernández, who was serving a 45-year sentence for drug trafficking, was freed from the U.S. Penitentiary, Hazelton in West Virginia on Monday, October 30, 2023.

The release comes amid a backdrop of controversy, with Hernández’s wife, Ana García, publicly thanking Trump on X (formerly Twitter) for the pardon, stating, “My husband Juan Orlando Hernández RETURNED to being a free man, thanks to the presidential pardon granted by President Donald Trump.”

Trump, while traveling on Air Force One, explained his decision by saying, “The people of Honduras really thought he was set up, and it was a terrible thing.” He further emphasized that Hernández was unfairly labeled a drug dealer because of his presidency and alleged a political motive behind the charges.

Hernández was arrested in February 2022 at the request of U.S. authorities, shortly after current President Xiomara Castro took office. He was convicted in a New York federal courtroom for facilitating the transport of 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S. and accepting bribes from drug traffickers. Throughout his trial, Hernández maintained his innocence, claiming he was targeted for extraditing drug traffickers to the U.S.

In a statement from his attorney, Renato Stabile, Hernández expressed relief over the “ordeal” ending. Stabile stated, “On behalf of President Hernández and his family, I would like to thank President Trump for correcting this injustice.”

Despite his release, Hernández’s future remains uncertain. Following Trump’s pardon announcement, Honduras Attorney General Johel Zelaya indicated that his office would seek justice against Hernández, hinting at potential corruption-related charges stemming from his administration. The political implications of this pardon may also influence upcoming elections in Honduras, as some see it as a boost for Hernández’s National Party candidate, Nasry Asfura.

As the situation develops, Hernández’s return to Honduras remains uncertain, with potential legal challenges looming. The ramifications of this pardon continue to resonate both in Honduras and the U.S., raising questions about political influence and justice.

Watch for updates as the situation unfolds and further impacts are felt in the region. Share this story to keep others informed about this significant development.