Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández will be sentenced on Wednesday in New York for drug trafficking and other charges, with his defense seeking to avoid a life sentence for him. Hernández's attorneys have asked the federal court to impose a 40-year sentence instead of life imprisonment, as reported on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
Renato Stabile, the court-appointed lawyer, proposed to Judge Kevin Castel of the Southern District of New York a maximum sentence of 40 years, arguing that since Hernández is 55 years old, such a sentence would be equivalent to life. Stabile submitted a 159-page document, along with a letter from Hernández to the judge in which the former president reiterates his innocence and points out "mistakes," "failures," and "injustices" in the judicial process against him.
Hernández was found guilty on March 8 of three charges related to drug trafficking and weapons after a trial lasting just over two weeks. In his letter, Hernández's attorney also urged the court not to impose an additional punishment, highlighting the former president's track record in support of the Honduran people. He argued that a 40-year sentence would meet the sentencing objectives under established guidelines.
The lawyer reiterated to Judge Castel Hernández's innocence, based on statements from drug traffickers who, according to the former president, sought revenge for being pursued and extradited to the United States. Stabile also pointed out that the witnesses sought to reduce their own sentences by testifying against Hernández.
In his letter to the judge, Hernández claimed he was unfairly accused and convicted, and that he, his family, and the sovereignty of Honduras were victims of a conspiracy by criminal groups. He asserted that the investigation and trial were riddled with errors and injustices, accusing prosecutors and agents of not diligently doing their job to uncover the truth.
Sources: efe, La Tribuna, El Heraldo
