TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) 鈥� A judge in Honduras ruled Monday that former President Juan Orlando Hern谩ndez, who recently for drug trafficking charges in the U.S., will not be jailed during his trial for fraud and money laundering.
The case is being closely watched as a litmus test for the country鈥檚 justice system after critics say the former leader ruled with impunity for years.
Hern谩ndez, once considered an ally by the U.S. in the drug war, led Honduras from 2014 to 2022, during which he boasted that he would according to U.S. prosecutors.
He was shortly after leaving office and was sentenced to 45 years in prison. and Nasry Asfura, who took office in January.
Hern谩ndez, 57, faces charges related to a case known as Pandora I, which alleges that a network of former high-ranking officials from 2010 to 2013 participated in the expansion and approval of public funds disbursements totaling more than $10.8 million, or around 288 million lempiras, to various foundations, according to an investigation by the country鈥檚 Specialized Prosecutor鈥檚 Unit Against Corruption Networks, or UFERCO.
According to UFERCO, Hern谩ndez benefited from these disbursements, receiving at least $2.3 million, around 62 million lempiras, for his political campaign through various schemes, including the creation of shell companies, the use of straw men and fictitious contracts.
Other high-level officials implicated in Pandora I whose cases have been dismissed indicate the likely outcome for Hern谩ndez, according to legal experts.
The former president remained in the U.S. until his arrest warrant in Honduras was suspended by a judge in June.
Prosecutors requested that he remain in custody while his case is ongoing, but the judge denied the request Monday. However, the court placed some restrictions on Hern谩ndez. He is barred from leaving the country and must check in with the court on a weekly basis.
Hern谩ndez has denied the charges against him and said he willingly faces the case against him, which “lacks any legal basis.鈥�
He will return to court for his next hearing on Aug. 12.
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