Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was released from a U.S. prison after President Trump pardoned his drug-trafficking conviction, sparking political backlash and uncertainty over his legal future in Honduras.
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted in the U.S. of drug trafficking and weapons charges and sentenced to 45 years, has been released from a West Virginia prison after receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.
Hernández, who maintained his innocence, was accused by prosecutors of running Honduras like a “narco-state.” His wife, Ana Garcia, publicly thanked Trump, saying her husband “RETURNED to being a free man, thanks to the presidential pardon.” Trump defended the move by claiming Honduras believed Hernández was “set up,” though the decision drew criticism, including from Sen. Bill Cassidy, who asked, “Why would we pardon this guy then go after Maduro…? Don’t understand why he is being pardoned.” The pardon also complicates ongoing corruption investigations in Honduras, where Attorney General Johel Zelaya says justice must still be pursued, while the country prepares for a tight presidential election.