Juan Orlando Hernández used to be the most powerful man in Honduras. However, the former politician is now standing on trial in New York over drug trafficking charges. He finally took to the witness stand for the first time on Tuesday to defend himself against the accusations laid out against him.

The former president of Honduras was in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Tuesday as he stood on trial for his activities in protecting drug traffickers and taking bribes from them.

He allegedly "teamed up with drug dealers to protect them in return for millions of dollars in bribes," according to the Associated Press. He pleaded not guilty to three counts of drug trafficking conspiracy and illegal weapons possession and once again denied taking part in these activities when he took to the stand.

Drug cartel traffickers who have struck plea deals with federal prosecutors previously testified against Juan Orlando Hernandez during the trial, claiming that "he protected the drug trade in return for millions of dollars that helped fuel his rise to power."

However, the former president denied these claims and stated that the opposite happened. During his testimony. Hernandez stated that in reality, he was working against the drug traffickers because they "did a lot of damage to my country."

He also claimed that as the president of Honduras, he "did everything" he could to "help" the United States pursue drug dealers, pointing out that he extradited around two dozen suspected drug traffickers to the US.

US Department of Justice Painted Honduras as a 'Narco State' Under Juan Orlando Hernandez

Under the Hernandez administration, Honduras received over $50 million to fight the drug trade, as well as d tens of millions of dollars in security and military aid, with Hernandez receiving support from then-President Donald Trump to fight drugs and migration.

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However, during the trial, the US Department of Justice painted him as a corrupt leader, turning Honduras into a "Narco State" under his rule. Prosecutors stated that he used money given to him by various criminal organizations to bribe officials who in turn manipulated votes in his favor during the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections.

When one of the prosecutors cross-examined the former president, he stated that drug traffickers "try" to support all politicians in Honduras, but denied being one of those who were bribed.

"So your testimony is that you're the only honest politician in Honduras, is that right?" asked prosecutor Kyle Wirshba when Hernandez stated this.

Honduras Citizens React to Trial of Former President Juan Orlando Hernandez

Even though the trial is happening in the United States, the issue itself is national news back in Honduras where many see the hearings as a referendum on the former president's two terms in office.

"The great majority are really on the edge of their seats with this case," Honduran radio journalist Pablo Zapta told Al Jazeera News regarding the reaction of everyday Hondurans to the US trial of their former president.

A conservative who ruled the country from 2014 to 2022, Hernandez promised to solve the problem of rampant crime in the country with an iron fist. However, accusations of his corrupt activities, especially during the 2017 election, surfaced and his reputation became tarnished with many in the country.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Former president of Honduras on trial: Hernandez faces drug trafficking charges in US - Al Jazeera English