France 'preparing' Manuel Noriega extradition to Panama

[dipsydoodle]

The French authorities say they are preparing to try to extradite the former Panamanian military ruler, Manuel Noriega, back to Panama.

Noriega is currently serving a seven-year sentence in France for money laundering.

But he is wanted by the Panamanian authorities, having been convicted there for crimes committed during his rule in the 1980s.

Once France issues its decree, Noriega will have one month to appeal.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13849520

[Judi Lynn]

1. Panama promises to respect Noriega's rights

Panama promises to respect Noriega's rights
Agence France-Presse June 20, 2011

PARIS - Panamanian authorities have promised to respect the rights of ex-strongman Manuel Noriega if he is extradited to his home country to stand trial for human rights violations.

France is set to launch extradition proceedings to send Noriega back home to Panama to face justice, the French foreign ministry said Monday.

"Noriega has several cases pending here (in Panama) and must be judged for these cases. He has to tell the truth on all subjects of the murders, killings and violations of human rights," said Patricia Portugal, an official from the prosecutor's office in Panama and daughter of Helidoro Portugal, a union leader assassinated in 1970 by the former general.

A Paris court jailed Noriega, 77, last July after he was extradited from the United States.

More:
http://www.canada.com/news/Panama+promises+respect+Noriega+rights/4976640/story.html