Honduras Ends Extradition Treaty with US

Honduras has announced the termination of its extradition treaty with the United States, a move justified by President Xiomara Castro as a response to what she perceives as intolerable U.S. interference in Honduran affairs, particularly regarding relations with Venezuela. The decision follows diplomatic tensions spurred by U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu's concerns over a meeting between Honduran and Venezuelan defense officials, which included individuals under U.S. sanctions. Castro's administration argues that the U.S. has attempted to dictate Honduran politics, violating principles of sovereignty and international law. The treaty, which has been in place for over a century, has facilitated the extradition of numerous Hondurans, including former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison in the U.S. for drug trafficking. The Honduran government communicated its decision to withdraw from the treaty in a letter to the U.S. embassy, but the U.S. has not yet responded. This withdrawal marks a significant shift in U.S.-Honduras relations, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy in the context of drug trafficking and regional alliances.