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Trump to pardon ex-Honduras leader serving drug trafficking sentence in US

In a surprising turn of events, former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, currently serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for drug trafficking and weapons charges, has received a potential lifeline from former President Donald Trump. On Friday, Trump announced via his Truth Social platform that he intends to grant a “Full and Complete Pardon” to Hernández, claiming that the former president has been “treated very harshly and unfairly” by the justice system. This declaration comes amidst ongoing debates about the integrity of the U.S. legal framework and the implications of political influence on judicial matters.

Hernández was convicted in 2024 after a trial revealed that he had accepted millions of dollars in bribes from drug traffickers to facilitate the transport of cocaine into the United States. The case against him was built on extensive evidence, including testimonies from former associates and drug lords, who detailed how Hernández leveraged his political power to protect and promote drug operations. His conviction has been a significant moment in the fight against corruption and drug trafficking in Central America, as it underscored the deep connections between politics and organized crime in the region. The announcement of a potential pardon raises questions about accountability and the message it sends regarding the consequences of such serious offenses.

Trump’s pledge to pardon Hernández has sparked a flurry of reactions from various sectors, including political analysts, human rights advocates, and members of the Honduran diaspora. Critics argue that this move could undermine the progress made in combating drug trafficking and corruption in Honduras, as it may embolden other politicians involved in similar activities. Supporters of Hernández, however, believe he has been unjustly targeted and that his actions were taken in the context of a broader struggle against drug cartels. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this potential pardon will impact U.S.-Honduran relations, the ongoing fight against drug trafficking, and the political landscape in both countries.