Honduras Seeks Arrest of Ex-President Hernandez After Trump Pardon

Honduras has issued an international arrest warrant for former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was recently pardoned by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Attorney General Johel Antonio Zelaya Alvarez announced the warrant, instructing Interpol to detain Hernandez based on charges of money laundering and fraud linked to his 2013 presidential campaign, known as the Pandora Case.

Hernandez was previously convicted in the U.S. on drug-trafficking charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison. His lawyer claims the warrant is a political maneuver by the governing Libre Party, which opposes Hernandez, especially in light of the recent presidential elections where their candidate is trailing.

The timing of the warrant coincides with International Anti-Corruption Day, emphasizing the ongoing issues of corruption in Honduras, as expressed by Zelaya. Hernandez's release has sparked outrage among many Hondurans, who are shocked that a convicted drug trafficker could be pardoned and potentially return to power under a friendly administration, should his party regain control.

Trump's endorsement of Hernandez's political ally, Nasry Asfura, also complicates the situation as Honduras navigates through this political turmoil.