Former President Hernandez returns to Honduras after Trump pardon

Trump called Hernandez’s drug-trafficking trial a set-up by the Biden administration.Former President Juan Orlando Hernandez has returned to Honduras from the United States after President Donald Trump pardoned him after he received a 45-year jail sentence for drug trafficking.Hernandez returned to the Central American country on Sunday, four years after being extradited to the US. He is now due to go on trial in Honduras on fraud and money-laundering charges, but activists worry that he will not face real justice.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3US requests extradition of former Honduran presidentlist 2 of 3Why is Israel being accused of meddling in Colombia presidential election?list 3 of 3Trump’s latest ‘forced labour tariffs’: Who’s been hit, how badly?end of listTrump granted Hernandez a presidential pardon in December, asserting that he did not receive a fair trial and was set up by former US President Joe Biden’s administration.“I cannot deny the profound emotion and joy I feel in my heart to be returning home,” Hernandez wrote on social media earlier this month, saying he was counting down the days to see his family.“It wasn’t easy. The process has been extremely difficult … and what I experienced in prison, I truly wouldn’t wish on anyone,” he added.As he arrived at Palmerola International Airport, he was greeted by his family and dozens of supporters of his National Party.Arrest warrant suspendedDespite his pardon on the US charges, Hernandez is expected to appear in court on August 3 to face the Honduran charges.However, he was not detained upon arrival in Honduras because an arrest warrant was suspended in June, and local activists are concerned that the trial will turn out to be a sham.“Everything points to the suspension being the first step,” said Joaquin Mejia, a lawyer and researcher for the Reflection, Research and Communication Team, a human rights organisation.