Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández Granted Conditional Release as Fraud Trial Proceeds

Honduran authorities have ordered that former President Juan Orlando Hernández remain free while his fraud and money‑laundering case, known as Pandora II, moves forward. A judge on 3 August ruled against pre‑trial detention, imposing conditions that Hernández may not leave Honduras, must report to the court weekly and stay under the supervision of his defence team, with a sworn pledge to appear for proceedings. The initial hearing is set for 12 August.

The Public Ministry reaffirmed its accusation of fraud and laundering involving the alleged diversion of more than 62 million lempiras of public funds. Prosecutor General Dagoberto Aspra publicly claimed Hernández threatened prosecutors during a recent hearing, quoting the former leader as saying, “Mírame a los ojos… te voy a dar una lección.” The Ministry said it will present its evidence at the upcoming hearing.

The case, first opened in October 2023, accuses Hernández of using shell companies and fictitious contracts to funnel public money into his 2013 presidential campaign. While the trial proceeds, the conditional release marks a pivotal moment for Honduras’ justice system and its handling of former high‑level officials.