US President Donald Trump has announced his decision to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 45 years in prison. This move comes just days before Honduras’ presidential election, where Trump’s preferred candidate, Nasry Asfura, is running against leftist lawyer Rixi Moncada and right-wing TV host Salvador Nasralla.
Trump’s pardon has raised eyebrows, with some viewing it as an attempt to influence the outcome of the election. Hernandez, who governed Honduras from 2014 to 2022, was found guilty of accepting millions of dollars in bribes to protect cocaine shipments bound for the US. Trump claims Hernandez was “treated very harshly and unfairly,” but critics argue that the pardon undermines efforts to combat drug trafficking.
The US has significant interests in Honduras, and Trump’s move may be seen as an effort to secure a favorable outcome in the election. Asfura, the National Party candidate, has been endorsed by Trump, who warned that if he doesn’t win, the US will not provide further aid to Honduras.
The election is expected to be closely contested, with concerns raised about potential fraud and interference. The Organization of American States and the US State Department are monitoring the situation closely.
