Key facts
- Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández returned to Honduras on Sunday.
- He was pardoned by the United States.
- Hernández faces charges of fraud and money laundering in Honduras.
- Hundreds of supporters gathered at the airport to welcome him.
- He claims innocence and alleges his prosecution was an act of revenge.
- Hernández is connected to a corruption scheme called Pandora II.
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández returned to his home country on Sunday after receiving a presidential pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump. Hernández landed at Palmerola International Airport in a private plane and was greeted by hundreds of supporters, including his family.
Trump's decision to pardon Hernández was based on the argument that the former president did not receive a fair trial and that his prosecution was a setup by the Biden administration. Hernández, who was extradited to the U.S. four years ago and sentenced to 45 years in prison for drug trafficking, has maintained his innocence, claiming his prosecution was an act of revenge by those he extradited.
Upon his arrival, Hernández expressed his happiness to be back in Honduras and thanked God and his supporters for their prayers. He was accompanied by his U.S. lawyer, Renato Stabile, and three Honduran generals. After a brief welcome ceremony at the airport, he was escorted to migration for processing before heading to a private event with friends and supporters, and later a rally where he delivered a speech.
Hernández is also linked to a corruption scheme known as Pandora II, involving the diversion of over 288 million lempiras (approximately $11 million USD) in public funds between 2010 and 2013. Investigations suggest that Hernández's political campaign benefited from at least 62 million lempiras (over $2.3 million USD) from these diversions through various means, including the creation of shell companies.
Despite the charges and his previous conviction in the U.S., an order of capture issued against him in Honduras on November 28, 2023, was suspended by a judge from the Supreme Court of Justice. This favorable resolution prompted Hernández's immediate announcement of his return. He is scheduled to appear before a judge on August 3 for an arraignment hearing.