Former Honduran president commends Trump for granting pardon while asserting his innocence.
The former President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, issued a public statement on social media following his recent pardon and release from prison, where he had served just one year of a 45-year sentence. Hernández was convicted for facilitating the transport of approximately 400 tons of cocaine to the United States, a claim he continues to contest.
In his online message, Hernández expressed deep gratitude to former President Donald Trump, attributing his release to Trump’s support during what he described as a “weaponized system” that failed to establish his innocence. He proclaimed, “I am innocent” and emphasized his appreciation for Trump’s alleged courage in recognizing what he termed as injustice, stating that the former U.S. President effectively changed the trajectory of his life.
Hernández led Honduras from 2014 until 2022 and was indicted shortly after leaving office. On the recent Monday, he exited U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton in West Virginia as a free man, despite the serious corruption charges and a conviction that involved major drug trafficking allegations. The trial against him revealed numerous pieces of evidence, including comments in which he purportedly bragged about wanting to harm U.S. citizens through drug consumption.
In his latest remarks, Hernández characterized the judicial proceedings against him as manipulated by the Biden administration, asserting that his conviction was the result of false testimonies from those with a vendetta against him rather than substantiated evidence. He reiterated his beliefs about the integrity of his case and expressed appreciation for Trump’s role in his release, which the former President announced via social media, asserting that Hernández had been subjected to harsh and unfair treatment during his time in prison.
The dynamics surrounding Hernández’s pardon have incited curiosity and analysis. Some observers speculate that a flattering letter from Hernández to Trump, dated October 28—Trump’s birthday—may have played a influential role in Trump’s decision, along with advocacy from key Trump associates.
The pardon stands in stark contrast to the current U.S. government’s aggressive anti-drug operations, which have increasingly targeted vessels suspected of drug trafficking from nations like Venezuela. Meanwhile, the majority of illicit substances affecting the U.S. drug crisis reportedly do not originate from the Caribbean region, raising further questions about the inconsistencies in U.S. drug policy and diplomatic relations.
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