Summary
President Donald Trump announced plans to pardon Honduras' former president, Juan Orlando Hernandez, who is in a U.S. prison for drug trafficking. The decision follows a letter from Hernandez praising Trump and a lobbying effort by Trump's associate, Roger Stone. Trump's endorsement of the National Party candidate in the ongoing Honduran election is also connected to this pardon.
Key Facts
- Honduras' ex-president, Juan Orlando Hernandez, is facing drug trafficking charges in the U.S.
- President Trump announced plans to pardon Hernandez ahead of elections in Honduras.
- Hernandez wrote a letter to Trump, praising him and requesting clemency.
- Roger Stone, a friend of Trump, lobbied for Hernandez's pardon.
- Hernandez claims the charges against him were politically motivated by the current U.S. administration.
- Trump also endorsed the National Party candidate, Nasry "Tito" Asfura, in the ongoing election.
- Hernandez's conviction was for cocaine trafficking and weapons charges, leading to a 45-year sentence.
- Trump's endorsement and pardon are part of his support for right-wing governments in Latin America.
