The Attorney General of Honduras, Johel Zelaya, announced on Monday the activation of a 2023 arrest warrant for former President Juan Orlando Hernández. This directive has been issued to Honduran authorities and Interpol, following Hernández's recent release from U.S. federal prison after receiving a pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Background on U.S. Proceedings
Hernández was released from federal custody in the United States last week. In 2023, he had been sentenced in a U.S. federal court to 45 years in prison for his involvement in facilitating the movement of significant quantities of cocaine into the United States. His extradition to the U.S. occurred in 2022, shortly after his presidential term concluded, a process initiated by current President Xiomara Castro's administration.
Honduran Charges and Legal Action
The Honduran arrest warrant, signed by a Supreme Court magistrate, pertains to alleged charges of fraud and money laundering. The document specifies that the order is to be executed "in the case that the accused is freed by United States authorities." These charges are linked to the "Pandora case," an investigation where Honduran prosecutors alleged that government funds were redirected through a network of non-governmental organizations to various political parties, including Hernández's 2013 presidential campaign.
Political Reactions and Context
Renato Stabile, a lawyer representing Hernández, described the Honduran legal action as a "strictly political move" by the LIBRE party, aiming to "intimidate President Hernandez." Stabile asserted that the charges are "completely baseless."
The re-activation of the arrest warrant coincides with the ongoing process of determining Honduras' next president. Donald Trump had previously endorsed Nasry Asfura, a candidate from Hernández's conservative National Party. Asfura was reported to be narrowly leading Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party during the vote count. Nasralla's campaign has centered on combating corruption and he has previously alleged that Hernández manipulated the 2017 election results.
Hernández has consistently maintained his innocence regarding any wrongdoing during his time in office, stating he was a strong ally in the U.S.-led war on drugs. Trump's decision to pardon Hernández, announced days before Honduras' national elections, introduced an additional factor into the closely contested election. Trump cited requests from Hondurans and his review of the case, concluding that Hernández had been unfairly treated by prosecutors.