On Friday, March 8, 2024, a New York City jury found Juan Orlando Hernández (JOH) guilty on all three counts of drug trafficking and weapons-related charges. The jury began deliberations on March 7 at 11:30 am and announced their verdict on March 8 at 1:30 pm.
When hearing the verdict, JOH bowed his head as he sat between his two defense attorneys. As he was escorted out of the courtroom by U.S. marshalls afterwords, JOH said quietly to his two sister-in-laws sitting in the second row of the court, “Tell the world I am innocent.” JOH is set to be sentenced on June 26, 2024 at 10 am, but this date is expected to change.
Read the media coverage of the verdict (and note that the mainstream media fails to mention the role that the U.S. and Canada played in supporting and working with JOH over many years).
- New York Times. (March 8, 2024). Ex-Honduras President Found Guilty in Drug Trafficking Trial.
- Reuters. (March 8, 2024). Honduras ex-President Hernandez convicted at US drugs trial.
- Al Jazeera (March 8, 2024). Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez guilty in drug trafficking case.
- BBC. (March 8, 2024). Ex-president of Honduras found guilty of drug crimes.
Shortly after the verdict was read, the U.S. Department of Justice also released a statement.
‘Putting the U.S. and Canada On Trial’ Campaign Will Continue
The Honduras Solidarity Network (HSN) and other U.S. and Canadian organizations will continue to publish updates and campaign to hold the U.S. and Canada accountable for their role in supporting and constructing the narco-state in Honduras. As we briefly pause to rest after a strenuous and intense trial period, please read our campaign updates and stay tuned for more actions.
