The ex-president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, has been found guilty of engaging in the transportation of cocaine, marking him as an infamous figure in the history of the former US ally’s fight against illegal drug activity.
Hernández is the first ex-president to be convicted of drug trafficking in the US since Panama’s authoritarian leader Gen Manuel Noriega in 1992.
On Friday, a jury convicted Hernández, who is 55 years old, of three charges related to drug dealing and illegal weapons. He is required to serve a minimum of 40 years in jail.
Throughout the 14-day hearing, individuals recounted instances of monetary incentives given to Hernández’s political endeavors, including a sum of $1 million provided by the infamous former head of the Sinaloa drug organization, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán.
In the conclusion of Wednesday’s trial, the prosecution, represented by assistant US attorney Jacob Gutwillig, stated that corrupt Hernández had created a “cocaine superhighway” into the United States.
Hernández took the stand in his own defense, highlighting his role in passing anti-crime legislation and cooperation with the United States on counternarcotics measures, and calling the witnesses “professional liars”.
However, the prosecution argued that although Hernández targeted certain drug traffickers, he also shielded others, including his brother Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernández, a former legislator who was found guilty of drug trafficking in the same court in 2019.
In his concluding statement, Gutwillig stated that the state had used all its might to safeguard their narcotics.
The guilty verdict is a significant success for the Drug Enforcement Agency’s approach of going after government officials whose assistance is crucial for drug traffickers, but it also brings up concerns about the US government’s previous cooperation with the former leader.
Lawyer Damian Williams expressed his desire for the verdict to serve as a warning to any dishonest politicians who may be tempted to follow the same path: make a different decision.
Hernández was seen as a key partner for the United States in Central America, especially during the Trump administration. The government was willing to overlook any issues as long as Honduras followed its immigration plans.
Renato Stabile, one of Hernández’s lawyers, pointed out in his opening statements that Hernández accomplished something unprecedented for a Honduran president: working closely with the United States.
During Hernández’s rise in politics, his country also experienced chaos as illegal drug routes shifted to Honduras, leading to an influx of money and making it one of the most perilous nations globally.
In 2013, Hernández ran for president with a strong stance against crime. He highlighted his involvement in passing a constitutional amendment that allowed for the extradition of Honduran traffickers, a first in the country’s history. This ultimately led to his downfall.
However, it was revealed in court that his win was influenced by drug dealers who claimed to have given his campaign millions of dollars in bribes.
Shortly after assuming office in 2014, there were reports in the media about potential connections between Juan Orlando and his brother Tony with criminal drug trafficking.
According to Gutwillig, the defendant was responsible for Tony’s ascent as a drug dealer due to their influence and control.
As his initial term in office neared its completion, Hernández chose to pursue re-election as president despite it being prohibited by the constitution. The subsequent election in 2017 was overshadowed by accusations of fraud and unrest.
Despite demands for a new election, the United States played a crucial role in assisting Hernández in obtaining the recognition necessary to achieve victory.
Despite being connected to his brother’s drug trafficking trial in October 2019, Trump, while still president, commended Hernández for his efforts in combatting drug activity.
However, upon assuming office in January of 2021, Joe Biden avoided interacting with his Honduran counterpart.
On 15 February 2022, Hernández was apprehended shortly after finishing his second term as president. Two months afterwards, he was deported to the US. The long-awaited trial was highly anticipated by Hondurans who are fed up with impunity in their nation and hopeful for the prosecution of dishonest politicians.
Witnesses testified during the trial about a symbiotic relationship between traffickers and elected officials in the Honduran political system.
During questioning by the government, Hernández stated that the narcos do not belong to a political party.
“He mentioned that they provide support for everyone, pausing briefly before saying: “Or at least they attempt to do so.””
“Does this apply to you as well, Mr. Hernandez?” replied Kyle Wirshba, an assistant attorney for the US.
Source: theguardian.com
