Honduran Court Clears Former President Hernández of Fraud Charges

A Honduran judge has dismissed fraud and money laundering charges against former President Juan Orlando Hernández, effectively clearing him of any legal troubles in the country.

Hernández, who returned to Honduras in July after being extradited to the U.S. for a drug trafficking trial, was sentenced to 45 years in prison but received a presidential pardon in December from Donald Trump. He maintained his innocence and pledged to confront justice upon his return.

The allegations stemmed from a corruption case known as Pandora I, where Hernández was accused of benefiting from public fund disbursements totaling over 288 million lempiras ($10.8 million) between 2010 and 2013. Investigations revealed he allegedly received at least 62 million lempiras ($2.3 million) for his political campaign through dubious financial practices.

Despite the prosecutor's request for a formal indictment, the judge ruled that the evidence did not establish Hernández’s involvement. As he exited the courthouse, he celebrated with supporters, declaring an end to what he termed political persecution. Appeals against the ruling are still an option for dissenting parties, according to a Supreme Court spokesman.

Source: www.independent.co.uk