Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced a new agreement to extend the extradition treaty with the United States, just days before it was set to expire. This extension marks a significant shift from Castro's previous stance, where she had vowed to terminate the treaty, accusing the US of undue political interference and coup plotting in Honduras. The US government had been actively advocating for the continuation of the treaty, which has played a crucial role in extraditing high-profile figures such as former President Juan Orlando Hernandez and ex-police chief Juan Carlos Bonilla.
The extradition treaty, initially intended to strengthen law enforcement cooperation, has seen complex political dynamics since its inception. Hernandez, once a strong ally of the US, gained power as a "law and order" figure but was eventually extradited to the US. His tenure was marked by severe repression, drawing criticism both domestically and internationally. The recent history of Honduran politics saw a dramatic turn when Castro, wife of former President Manuel Zelaya, achieved an electoral victory in January 2022. Zelaya had previously been ousted in a right-wing military coup in 2009, an event condemned by then-US President Barack Obama as "not legal," although critics argue that little was done to prevent it.
"I have reached an agreement with the new United States administration so that the Extradition Treaty will continue with the necessary safeguards for the State of Honduras, guaranteeing its objective application." – Xiomara Castro
The new agreement between Honduras and the US incorporates essential guarantees for the "integrity of the armed forces" in Honduras. It also includes "safeguards" to protect Honduras's sovereignty, a key concern raised by Castro. These provisions aim to address the apprehensions that have surrounded the extradition process and its implications on national sovereignty.
Manuel Zelaya's own extradition to the United States in April 2022 further complicated the political landscape. Convicted of using his influence to shield powerful drug traffickers, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison. This case underscored the contentious nature of extradition politics between Honduras and the US, highlighting ongoing challenges in bilateral relations.
