Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández is currently on trial in a New York courtroom on charges of taking bribes to protect drug traffickers. The trial, dubbed the “Trial of the Century” by Hondurans, has been ongoing since February. Hernández has denied the allegations and testified in his defense this week, insisting that he never conspired with drug dealers or took bribes. Deliberations were set to begin on Thursday.
Despite being praised by U.S. officials for his anti-drug efforts, Hernández is accused of being part of a conspiracy that took millions of dollars from drug traffickers in exchange for helping them transport cocaine through Honduras. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.
The trial has garnered significant attention in Honduras, with local news outlets closely following the developments in New York. Testimony from drug cartel witnesses has been a focal point of the trial, with witnesses claiming that Hernández and his brother accepted money from drug dealers to protect their shipments.
The prosecution rested its case on Monday, with both sides presenting their closing arguments on Wednesday. The defense argued against the credibility of the witnesses, while the prosecution maintained that Hernández enabled drug trafficking while portraying himself as an anti-drug crusader.
The trial has sparked mixed feelings among Hondurans, with some advocating for justice while others express concern about the impact on the country’s reputation. Sociologists and analysts worry that the trial may lead to greater apathy towards politics and politicians in Honduras, highlighting broader issues of institutional corruption and organized crime in the country.
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