Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez was sentenced to 45 years in prison in New York for aiding drug traffickers by ensuring over 400 tons of cocaine reached the United States. Judge P. Kevin Castel also fined him $8 million, emphasizing that no one, regardless of their status, is above the law. This sentencing was the result of a jury conviction in March after a closely watched trial in his home country where Hernández maintained his innocence despite the evidence.
During his sentencing, Hernández maintained his innocence and portrayed himself as a hero in the fight against drug trafficking. The judge, however, described Hernández as a “two-faced politician hungry for power” who protected drug traffickers while posing as an anti-drug trafficking crusader. Hernández was found to have taken bribes from traffickers throughout his political career, rising from a rural congressman to the president of Honduras. Prosecutors sought a life sentence for Hernández, but he was ultimately sentenced to 45 years in prison, which was less than expected in Honduras.
Hernández’s trial revealed connections to notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who was involved in the trafficking operations that Hernández protected. The sentencing was a surprise to many in Honduras, where it was believed that he would receive a life sentence. Hernández’s wife, Ana García, defended her husband’s innocence and referred to the sentencing as a “judicial lynching.” She plans to run for president next year and has expressed her intention to appeal the decision. The sentencing was viewed as an important step in holding powerful individuals accountable for their involvement in drug trafficking.
The court found that Hernández had received a fair trial, with ample evidence proving his guilt. There were testimonies from traffickers who admitted to murders and revealed Hernández’s connections to powerful cocaine dealers. The judge noted that Hernández’s brother, Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernández, had received a $1 million bribe from Guzmán in 2013. Hernández was convicted for his involvement in protecting drug traffickers who aided his political ambitions. Castel emphasized the staggering number of killings linked to the drug trade during Hernández’s political career.
The sentencing of Hernández sends a strong message that even high-ranking political figures are not immune to justice. U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu described the sentencing as a step towards combating the social consequences of drug trafficking in Honduras and the United States. The trial highlighted the pervasive influence of drug money in Honduran politics, with Hernández’s conviction marking a significant milestone in the fight against corruption. Despite protests of innocence from Hernández and his supporters, the evidence presented in court led to his conviction and lengthy sentence.
