Former Honduran president pleads not guilty to drug and weapon charges in U.S. court

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez pleaded not guilty to drug and weapon charges in Manhattan’s federal court on Tuesday. His lawyer complained of “prisoner of war” conditions in prison, reported Reuters. 

The former president entered the courtroom wearing chains around his ankles, pleading not guilty to all charges he is being accused of, including conspiracy to import a controlled substance, using or carrying firearms including machine guns, and conspiracy to use or carry firearms. 

"From at least in or about 2004, up to and including in or about 2022, Hernandez participated in a corrupt and violent drug-trafficking conspiracy to facilitate the importation of tons of cocaine into the United States," reads the indictment given to Hernandez. 

"As part of the conspiracy, Juan Orlando Hernandez ... received millions of dollars from multiple drug-trafficking organizations in Honduras, Mexico and elsewhere, including from the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, Joaquin Guzman Loera, a.k.a 'El Chapo.'"

“Hernandez used those drug-trafficking proceeds to enrich himself, finance his political campaigns, and commit voter fraud, including in connection with the 2013 and 2017 Honduran presidential elections,” the indictment continues. 

The former president has denied the accusations in the past, and has accused drug traffickers of “smearing him to get revenge and lighten their sentences,” continued Reuters. 

Raymond Colon, Hernandez’s lawyer, said that the former president was being held in solitary confinement and has been denied contact with his family. 

"He's being treated like a prisoner of war," Hernandez said. "We're not asking for him to get special treatment because he's a former head of state, but these conditions are psychologically debilitating."

Hernandez served as president of Honduras for two terms, from 2014 until January of this year. He was arrested in Tegucigalpa in February. He was extradited from Honduras On April 21 and was taken to New York to face his charges. 

The next court date has been scheduled for September 28. Hernandez's trial could begin on January 17, 2023.