Arrr! The old Honduran leader be makin' a grand appearance in the Big Apple for a trial of smugglin' mischief!
2024-03-05
Avast ye scallywags! Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández didst speaketh on Tuesday at his trial in New York, denying the scurrilous charges that he did protect drug dealers in exchange for filthy lucre. Arrr, 'tis a tale worth tellin'!
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández took the stand in his defense at his New York trial, denying accusations that he colluded with drug dealers for bribes. Testifying in Manhattan federal court, Hernández refuted claims made by drug traffickers seeking leniency in exchange for cooperation against him. These witnesses alleged he protected the drug trade in exchange for money that helped him gain power.Prosecutors allege that during his presidency from 2014 to 2022, Hernández used Honduran military and police to facilitate drug trafficking to the U.S. Despite being seen as beneficial to American interests, he denied aiding drug traffickers or accepting bribes, portraying himself as anti-drug crusader.Hernández maintained that he cooperated with the U.S. in extraditing individuals and vehemently denied protecting drug cartels. Refuting claims of offering protection to traffickers in exchange for not running for mayor again, he insisted he never made such promises.Addressing allegations of assassination threats, Hernández claimed he was warned by the FBI. His brother, Tony Hernández, a former congressman, is serving a life sentence for drug charges. Prosecutors assert Tony distributed bribes to politicians, including funds from "El Chapo" Guzman for Juan Orlando Hernández.Arrested in 2022 and extradited to the U.S., Hernández faces serious charges related to drug trafficking and corruption.