Background on Xiomara Castro and Her Decision
Xiomara Castro, the President of Honduras, announced on Saturday that she formally withdrew the complaint against the drug trafficking extradition treaty with the United States, just two weeks before transferring power to President-elect Nasry Asfura.
Castro had previously informed on February 18, 2025 that she reached a verbal agreement with the Donald Trump administration to maintain the extradition treaty until January 27, 2026, when Asfura, backed by the U.S. President, takes office.
Key Actions and Impact
- Withdrawal of Complaint: Castro declared the 2024 diplomatic notes denouncing the treaty as “without value or effect,” effectively withdrawing Honduras’s complaint.
- Commitment to Anti-Narcotic Efforts: Castro emphasized her government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, citing tangible results and firm actions.
- Extraditions Under the Treaty: Castro’s government has extradited 52 Hondurans accused of drug trafficking to the U.S., including former President Juan Orlando Hernández (2014-2022), who was extradited after leaving office and sentenced to 45 years in prison in June 2024.
- U.S. Indulgence Controversy: Castro criticized the U.S. for indulging Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking, calling it a “serious contradiction.”
- Impact on Joint Efforts: Castro stated that the indulgence weakens and endangers joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, which affects both U.S. and Honduran societies.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Xiomara Castro? A: Xiomara Castro de Zelaya is the President of Honduras, who announced the withdrawal of the drug trafficking extradition treaty complaint with the U.S.
- Q: Why did Castro withdraw the complaint? A: Castro withdrew the complaint to emphasize her government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and to maintain the extradition treaty with the U.S.
- Q: How many Hondurans have been extradited under this treaty? A: Under the treaty, Castro’s government has extradited 52 Hondurans accused of drug trafficking to the U.S.
- Q: What is the controversy surrounding the U.S. indulgence of Hernández? A: The controversy stems from the U.S. indulging Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking, which Castro calls a “serious contradiction.”
- Q: How does Castro’s decision affect joint efforts against drug trafficking? A: Castro believes the indulgence weakens and endangers joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, which affects both U.S. and Honduran societies.
