The impact of the conviction of Juan Orlando Hernández in Latin America: a precedent in the fight against corruption and drug trafficking.

The case of former President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, has generated a strong impact in Latin America by adding to the list of political leaders in the region who end up in a courtroom or in a jail in the United States. Today, Hernández was sentenced to 45 years in prison and 5 years of probation for a major drug trafficking offense, marking a milestone in the long saga of Latin American political figures serving sentences on U.S. soil for drug and corruption-related crimes. The precedent for this case is that of Manuel Antonio Noriega, dictator of Panama from 1983 to 1989, who was sentenced to 40 years in prison in the United States in 1992. Noriega paved the way for a series of former presidents and politicians from countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Venezuela, who have also faced U.S. justice for similar crimes. It is important to mention that this list is not limited to political figures, as it also includes various civilian "capos," with no political responsibilities, who have been tried in the United States. Among them are well-known names such as the Mexican Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán or the Colombian Dairo Antonio Úsuga, alias "Otoniel," who have been convicted of drug trafficking and organized crime-related offenses. The case of Juan Orlando Hernández has sparked debate and controversy in Honduras and throughout the Central American region, where his political figure has been both admired and questioned in the past. His 45-year prison sentence marks a turning point in the political history of Honduras and sends a strong message about the fight against drug trafficking and corruption in the region. Hernández's sentence not only affects his image and legacy as a former president, but also calls into question the credibility of the Honduran political and judicial institutions. Transparency and accountability become central issues in the wake of this case, highlighting the need to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law in the region. The impact of this conviction extends beyond the borders of Honduras, as it highlights the complex relationship between politics and drug trafficking in Latin America. The presence of political leaders involved in illicit activities raises serious questions about the integrity and ethics of those in power, as well as the effectiveness of mechanisms for monitoring and oversight of their actions. In a regional context marked by insecurity, corruption, and impunity, the case of Juan Orlando Hernández serves as a reminder of the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and combating the infiltration of organized crime into politics. The conviction of the former Honduran president opens a new chapter in the fight against corruption and drug trafficking in Latin America, a challenge that requires the commitment and collaboration of all involved parties.