Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez has been sentenced to 45 years in prison by US District Judge Kevin Castel in a Manhattan courtroom. Hernandez, once considered an important US ally with tough-on-crime politics, was convicted in March on charges of accepting millions of dollars in bribes to protect cocaine shipments bound for the United States.
During the sentencing hearing, the 55-year-old Hernandez maintained his innocence, stating, “I am innocent. I was wrongly and unjustly accused.” However, the jury found him guilty of taking bribes to shield large-scale drug trafficking operations. This conviction has been celebrated by Hondurans at home and abroad as a rare instance of accountability for corruption within the country’s ruling class.
Prosecutors had sought a life sentence, arguing that it would send a strong message to other politicians who misuse their power to protect criminal groups. They emphasized that without corrupt politicians like Hernandez, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to combat the large-scale drug trafficking and related violence that plagues the region.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Hernandez used drug money to bribe officials and manipulate voting results during Honduras’s 2013 and 2017 presidential elections. Testimonies from convicted traffickers further supported the allegations against him. In his defense, Hernandez denied taking bribes from drug cartels, while his lawyers accused the convicted traffickers of seeking revenge for his anti-drug policies.
It is worth noting that Hernandez’s brother, Tony Hernandez, was previously sentenced to life in prison in the United States in 2021 on drug charges.
2 Responses
This is absolutely appalling! It is sickening to think that a former president would be involved in such criminal activities that warrant a 45-year prison sentence. It is a disgrace to the office he once held and a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the Honduran people. This verdict serves as a reminder of the rampant corruption and abuse of power that plagues our political systems. It is high time that those in positions of authority are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or position
This is absolutely outrageous! Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez has been sentenced to a mere 45 years in prison for his crimes? Are you kidding me? This man has been involved in numerous corruption scandals, human rights abuses, and drug trafficking activities, and all he gets is a slap on the wrist?
It is a slap in the face to the people of Honduras who have suffered under Hernandez’s tyrannical rule. This man has abused his power, undermined democracy, and enriched himself at the