IRTF News

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, 55, has been found guilty in a New York federal court on charges related to drug trafficking and weapons possession. The jury convicted Hernandez on all three counts, including conspiring to import cocaine into the US, carrying "machine guns and destructive devices" for cocaine shipments, and conspiring to use those weapons for his goals. US prosecutors accused him of collaborating with major cocaine traffickers, protecting shipments in exchange for bribes. Hernandez, who denied the charges, faces potential life sentences. His two-term presidency (2014-2022) was marked by scandals, and the trial was closely watched by Hondurans.

Nayib Bukele's recent reelection as President of El Salvador, despite constitutional limitations, has sparked concerns about his leadership style dubbed the "Bukele Model." Douglas Farah of IBI Consultants highlights several worrying aspects of this model:

1. Authoritarian tendencies: Bukele's approach echoes strategies seen in other 21st-century political movements, including undermining checks and balances and consolidating power.
2. Lack of transparency: Government activities are less transparent, with diminished accountability and restricted public access to information.
3. Complex ties with gangs: There's a concerning integration of gangs into the political structure, alongside unsustainable mass incarceration policies.
4. Weakening of institutions: Independence and professionalism within key institutions like the police, military, and judiciary are eroding.
5. Human rights concerns: Despite touted security gains, the human rights cost is high, with a significant number of arrests and alleged abuses.

Farah argues that while Bukele's security model is praised publicly, its efficacy may be overstated, and it comes with significant human rights implications. Additionally, Farah points out Bukele's adoption of authoritarian tactics, including media control and suppression of dissent.

He also addresses concerns about the influence of China, suggesting it's overstated, and advocates for a more consistent critique from the Biden administration regarding anti-democratic trends in El Salvador.

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández has been convicted of cocaine trafficking, becoming the first ex-head of state found guilty of such charges in the United States since Manuel Noriega in 1992. The jury's decision followed a two-week trial during which witnesses detailed bribes to Hernández's political campaigns, including from Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. Hernández, who faces a minimum of 40 years in prison, defended himself by citing anti-crime legislation and cooperation with the US on counternarcotics. However, prosecutors argued he protected drug traffickers, including his brother, leading to his conviction. The trial highlighted the complex relationship between the US and Hernández, once considered a key ally in Central America. His downfall stemmed from allegations of election fraud and connections to drug trafficking, despite previous support from the Trump administration. His arrest in 2022 and subsequent trial marked a turning point for Hondurans seeking accountability for corruption within their political system.

In a trial involving former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, a witness accused an unnamed member of the Israeli embassy in Colombia of participating in a cocaine ring. The testimony revealed details of a money-laundering scheme linked to the drug trade. The witness, Luis Perez, a convicted drug trafficker, disclosed this information while testifying against Hernandez. Perez claimed that the embassy official transported large sums of money for the Sinaloa cartel between Honduras and Colombia. The allegations, though unverified, raised broader questions about Israel's involvement in Latin America and its historical ties to government and drug smuggling in the region. Hernandez, who faced charges of drug trafficking and weapons offenses, denied any wrongdoing. The trial highlighted the complex relationships between governments, drug cartels, and foreign entities in the region, shedding light on the extent of corruption and complicity in the drug trade.

The article discusses the transformative journey of women in Nicaragua, particularly rural peasant women, over the past 17 years. The narrative focuses on various aspects of progress, such as improved gender equity, healthcare, education, political participation, and safety. The positive changes are attributed to the government's shift in priorities, implementing programs like Zero Hunger, free universal healthcare, and educational reforms. The piece highlights women's increased role in agriculture, politics, and law enforcement, leading to economic independence and reduced violence against women. The author interviews Rosibel Ramos, a member of the Rural Feminist Ecological Cooperative "Las Diosas," exemplifying the empowerment and visibility of Nicaraguan women.

The article discusses the recent intervention of the Biden administration in the presidential election in Guatemala, supporting the center-left candidate, Bernardo Arevelo. Arevelo's surprising victory faced opposition from the conservative establishment in Guatemala, including the outgoing president and ultra-conservative lawmakers. In response, the Biden administration, concerned about the threat to democracy, applied pressure on the Guatemalan elite to accept the election outcome. This included canceling visas for nearly 300 Guatemalans, prompting protests and eventually leading to Arevelo taking office on January 15, 2024. The article reflects on Guatemala's history of U.S. interference, particularly the 1954 CIA intervention that ousted President Arbenz, and suggests that the recent U.S. intervention marks a commendable shift toward supporting democracy in the region. The piece raises questions about the future stability of Arevelo's presidency given the opposition he faces within Guatemala.