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Judge Allows Noriega Extradition

Ex-general wants to dodge French charges by returning to Panama

By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 24, 2007 5:29 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A federal judge today rejected former dictator Manuel Noriega's request to return to Panama following his release from a Miami prison next month, the Miami Herald reports. Noriega sought to avoid extradition to France, where he faces a 10-year sentence for a conviction in abstentia on money laundering charges. Noriega argued that
he was entitled to repatriation under the Geneva Convention because he was declared a POW by the US in 1992.

The judge dismissed this argument, countering that Noriega was only classified as a POW "in the context of defendant's concerns about the care he would receive while in custody," but that the court never intended to "shield him from all future prosecutions for serious crimes he is alleged to have committed."

Panamanian military strongman Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega talks to reporters in Panama City, in this Nov. 8, 1989 file photo. A federal judge refused Friday Aug. 24, 2007 to block the extradition of former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega to France, where is accused of laundering millions of dollars in drug...
Panamanian military strongman Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega talks to reporters in Panama City, in this Nov. 8, 1989 file photo. A federal judge refused Friday Aug. 24, 2007 to block the extradition of...   (Associated Press)
Attorneys for former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, Frank Rubino, left, and Jon May speak to members of the media Friday, Aug. 24, 2007 in Miami after a judge refused to block the extradition of Noriega to France, where he is accused of laundering millions of dollars in drug proceeds through...
Attorneys for former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, Frank Rubino, left, and Jon May speak to members of the media Friday, Aug. 24, 2007 in Miami after a judge refused to block the extradition of...   (Associated Press)
Former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega is shown in an undated file photo.(AP Photo/file)
Former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega is shown in an undated file photo.(AP Photo/file)   (Associated Press)
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Wonkette on the ruling
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World • US

 
France • POW • Panama • prisoners • Geneva Convention • extradition • Manuel Noriega • prisoner of war

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