Anti-Hernandez protesters gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse ahead of the sentencing, brandishing placards and decrying the former head of state’s crimes. 

US federal prosecutors accused Hernandez of turning Honduras into a “narco-state” during his presidency from 2014 to 2022. Convicted in March, Hernandez was found guilty of facilitating the smuggling of approximately 500 tons of cocaine, primarily from Colombia and Venezuela, to the United States since 2004, well before his presidency.

Prosecutors revealed that Hernandez used drug money to enrich himself, finance his political campaigns, and commit electoral fraud in the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections. He was extradited to the United States in 2022, accused of aiding drug smugglers in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes.

Despite his conviction, Hernandez has indicated through his legal team that he plans to appeal the verdict.

Arce also announced the appointment of new military commanders, confirming reports that Gen. Zúñiga had been dismissed after openly criticizing Bolivia's former leader, Evo Morales. Morales condemned the coup attempt and called for criminal charges against Gen. Zúñiga and his accomplices. The public prosecutor's office has opened a criminal investigation.