Honduran court drops charges against former president Hernandez

The court in Honduras has dismissed charges against former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who served from 2014 to 2022. Hernandez was previously incarcerated in the United States on drug trafficking charges, but was released last year and returned to Honduras. The court ruling comes nine months after Hernandez's release from the US prison.

Judiciary spokesman Carlos Silva stated that the judge found Hernandez not guilty of the charges due to lack of evidence linking him to budgetary decisions during his term, and was unable to prove that embezzled funds went towards his 2013 presidential campaign.

Hernandez expressed his gratitude during a press conference, stating that the ruling marks the end of political persecution and criticized those responsible for his detainment. He accused authorities of not only wanting him to leave Honduras permanently, but also of leaving his family destitute.

Despite the ruling, anti-corruption organizations cautioned that the decision could further undermine public trust in the Honduran judicial system. They also noted the absence of a crucial witness for the prosecution, whose release was confirmed shortly before the ruling. The prosecution has the option to appeal the decision.

Hernandez's return to Honduras was seen as a factor in the 2022 US presidential election, as US President Donald Trump pardoned Hernandez just days before Honduras' own presidential vote. Trump had threatened to withhold aid from Honduras if Asfura, the candidate of Hernandez's party, won the election. Since being released, Hernandez has maintained that he no longer intends to run for public office in Honduras but wishes to support the new government.