Former Honduras President to be extradited to the US over drug charges

Former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez President will be extradited to the United States of America on charges of firearms and drug trafficking. A judge ordered the extradition late Wednesday via Twitter.

A judicial spokeswoman said Hernandez, who was arrested in mid-February in response to a US extradition request, has three days to appeal the judge's decision.

According to US investigators, the former right-wing leader was involved in a drug-trafficking plot between 2004 and 2022.

He's also suspected of taking bribes worth millions of dollars to shield drug traffickers from inquiry and prosecution, as well as carrying, using, or assisting in the use of weapons.

Hernandez, who was succeeded by socialist Xiomara Castro as president in January, has denied any wrongdoing.

Prosecutors in New York's southern district have accused Hernández of supporting his political career with drug traffickers' profits in exchange for shielding their shipments in recent years. He has categorically rejected any misconduct on his part.

Ana Garca Caras, the former first lady of Honduras, told local journalists outside the court that she was convinced the truth would finally come out and her husband would be exonerated.

Prior to the announcement of the ruling, court spokesman Melvin Duarte stated that Hernández addressed the court during a hearing earlier in the day.

"He argued about the motives that led to this extradition proceedings against him, which he and his wife have openly stated," Duarte said.

Hernández has claimed that the accusations levelled against him were made by drug dealers extradited by his government and seeking vengeance. He denies any involvement with narcotics trafficking.

He will be given the chance to challenge the extradition judgement.

"We still have an appeal to consider," one of Hernández's lawyers, Iván Martnez, said. "We have three days to analyse today's verdict and present our case in accordance with the law."