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May 11, 2022

Honduran Ex-President Juan Orlando Hernández Pleads Not Guilty to U.S. Drugs Charges
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Here in New York, former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández has
pleaded not guilty to drug and gun charges, including conspiring to
import cocaine into the United States and using and carrying machine
guns. Protesters gathered outside the federal court where Hernández
appeared Tuesday after he was extradited to the U.S. last month.

José Cruz: "I took part in the protests before this man was behind bars.
And it makes me happy that all our community is here celebrating. He
caused much destruction in Honduras. The decisions he took were not
correct. You can see the millions of Honduran migrants who are here.
During his time in office, there were thousands who left as a result of
his decisions and injustices."

Hernández was arrested in February, less than a month after his
presidential term ended. He was a longtime U.S. ally who received
backing during his entire eight-year term despite mounting reports of
serious human rights violations and accusations of corruption and
involvement with drug smuggling.


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