Former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández is currently on trial in a federal courthouse in Manhattan, accused of taking bribes to protect drug traffickers. The trial, dubbed the 'Trial of the Century' by Hondurans, has been ongoing since February.
Hernández, who denied conspiring with drug dealers or accepting bribes, testified in his defense on Tuesday and Wednesday. The trial, not televised, has garnered significant attention in Honduras, with local news outlets closely following the proceedings.
The 55-year-old former president was arrested in February 2022, shortly after leaving office, and extradited in April of the same year. U.S. prosecutors allege that he was part of a conspiracy that involved taking millions of dollars from drug traffickers in exchange for assisting in moving cocaine through Honduras to the United States.
If convicted, Hernández could face a life sentence. Despite being praised by U.S. officials as a valuable partner in the drug war, he faces widespread disdain in Honduras for circumventing a constitutional ban on reelection and winning a controversial election marred by irregularities.
Testimony from drug cartel witnesses seeking leniency has been a focal point of the trial. These witnesses claimed that Hernández and his brother accepted millions of dollars to protect drug shipments over the years. Hernández maintained his composure during his testimony, refuting the allegations against him.
In closing arguments, the prosecution accused Hernández of facilitating drug trafficking to the U.S. while posing as an anti-drug crusader publicly. The defense attacked the credibility of the witnesses, arguing that their testimonies were inconsistent and lacked coherence.
The trial has sparked mixed reactions in Honduras, with some calling for justice while others express concerns about the attention it is receiving. Critics worry that the trial may further erode public trust in politicians and institutions in the country.
