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| Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison |
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison
A US judge has sentenced former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez to 45 years in prison and imposed an $8 million fine for drug trafficking offenses. Hernandez was found guilty on three drug trafficking charges in March, despite denying the allegations and claiming innocence.
Drug Trafficking and Corruption
Prosecutors accused Hernandez of conspiring with drug cartels to move over 400 tons of cocaine through Honduras to the US, receiving millions of dollars in bribes in exchange. The Justice Department alleged that Hernandez used his executive power to protect drug traffickers in his inner circle and facilitate extraditions to the US of those who threatened his power.
Narco-State
US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Hernandez "abused his position" to operate Honduras as a "narco-state," allowing violent drug traffickers to operate with impunity, causing harm to both Hondurans and Americans.
Hernandez's Denial
Despite the guilty verdict and sentencing, Hernandez maintains his innocence, claiming he was "wrongly and unjustly accused." His extradition from Honduras in 2022 marked a significant development in the case, which has shed light on the corrupt ties between drug traffickers and high-ranking officials in Honduras.