Key Facts

• Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández faced fraud and money laundering charges in Honduras.
• The charges were related to an alleged scheme involving public funds of about $10.8 million.
• Prosecutors claimed Hernández received $2.3 million for his political campaign through hidden companies and false contracts.
• The judge ruled there was not enough evidence to prove Hernández’s involvement.
• Hernández was released from the case after a judge rejected the prosecutors' request for formal charges.
• Hernández had been extradited to the U.S. for drug trafficking and sentenced to 45 years in prison.
• He was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump and returned to Honduras in July 2026.
• Supporters gathered outside the court, and Hernández said the case was political persecution.