President Donald Trump is issuing a pardon to a former president who was sentenced to 45 years in a massive drug trafficking case.
On Friday, Trump announced that he would be issuing a pardon for former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison last year in a bombshell drug trafficking case.
Hernandez was convicted of conspiring to import 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S. as well as several weapons charges, which led to his astounding 45-year sentence.
However, Trump announced on Truth Social that he decided to pardon Hernandez because "according to many people that I greatly respect,” Hernandez was “treated very harshly and unfairly."
Trump is particularly susceptible to unfair and political indictments, so it made sense for him to hear Hernandez's camp out.
Since his conviction, Hernandez has been appealing the sentence while serving time at the U.S. Penitentiary, Hazelton, in West Virginia.
Beyond the fairness of Hernandez's trial being called into question, there are geopolitical motives behind this decision to pardon Hernandez. The Trump administration is putting a heavy focus on South and Central American relations.
One of Hernandez's lawyers, Renato C. Stabile, issued a statement thanking Trump, saying, "A great injustice has been righted and we are so hopeful for the future partnership of the United States and Honduras. Thank you President Trump for making sure that justice was served. We look forward to President Hernandez’s triumphant return to Honduras."
The Trump administration does seem to be prioritizing improving relations with Honduras, and this pardon not only rights a grave injustice in the eyes of Trump but also gives him a valuable ally in improving relations.
Trump is also backing Nasry “Tito” Asfura for Honduras’ presidency in the election happening on Saturday. Trump has promised to increase support for Honduras if Asfura wins, but warned support wouldn't be coming should the country's leftist candidate prevail.
With the United States getting involved, Sunday's election promises to be chaotic as both sides are already deeply polarized.
Both the opposition and the government have alleged that there is voter fraud happening in the election, which seems to be a hallmark of any close election.
Americas director at Human Rights Watch Juanita Goebertus warned that “allegations of possible fraud, aggressive moves by both prosecutors and the army, and political deadlock in the electoral authority are threatening Hondurans’ right to participate in free and fair elections."
These elections will be worth keeping an eye on. The Trump administration will certainly be watching closely, especially if voter fraud is in play. Hopefully, things aren't too bad as there are certainly fears of military action should the election go badly.
