Ex-Honduran President Hernández to remain free during corruption trial

A judge has ruled that former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández will be allowed to defend himself while out of custody during his upcoming corruption trial. Hernández returned to Honduras on July 26 after Honduran authorities suspended an arrest warrant, allowing him to face charges related to the alleged embezzlement of $2 million in public funds for his 2013 presidential campaign.

During a hearing where he was formally charged with alleged money laundering and fraud, the judge decided to keep the arrest measure suspended. Hernández is required to provide a written commitment that he will not flee, according to Carlos Silva, a spokesperson for the judicial branch. He is also prohibited from leaving Honduras, with the first trial hearing scheduled for August 12.

This development follows a controversial pardon granted by former U.S. President Donald Trump in November. Trump pardoned Hernández of a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking, claiming he was a victim of injustice by Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden. Notably, some of the criminal investigation occurred during Trump's own presidency.

Hernández, who served two terms from 2014 to 2022, maintains his innocence, calling the accusations in both the U.S. and Honduras a "political persecution." He was extradited to the U.S. and convicted in June 2024 by a federal judge in New York for facilitating the entry of hundreds of tons of cocaine into the United States. He seeks to reclaim at least 130 assets confiscated during his extradition.

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no se va a escapar