Honduras Seeks Ex-President Hernández's Arrest After Trump Pardon

Honduras Seeks Arrest of Ex-President Hernández After Trump Pardon Honduras' Attorney General Johel Zelaya has ordered authorities to execute a 2023 arrest order for ex-President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was pardoned by US President Donald Trump last week. Hernández, who was convicted of helping move tons of cocaine to the United States, was released from federal prison in the US. According to reports, Zelaya has also requested Interpol to assist in the arrest of Hernández, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison in a US federal court last year. The Honduran government had previously extradited Hernández to the US, where he was detained and later convicted of drug crimes. The move comes after widespread protests in Honduras against Trump's pardon of Hernández, who was seen as a key ally in the war on drugs during his presidency. President Xiomara Castro of the social democrat LIBRE party had previously extradited Hernández to the US, where he was detained and later convicted. Hernández's pardon by Trump has sparked outrage in Honduras, with many calling for his arrest and prosecution. The Honduran government has also faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with some accusing it of failing to uphold the rule of law. In 2022, Hernández was detained and extradited to the US by President Castro, who had campaigned on a promise to tackle corruption and organized crime. Hernández's conviction and subsequent pardon have raised questions about the US's role in Honduras' war on drugs and the country's ability to hold its leaders accountable. The Honduran government has not yet commented on the specifics of the arrest order or the potential consequences for Hernández. However, the move is likely to escalate tensions between the Honduran government and the US, which has provided significant aid to the country in its fight against organized crime.