Noriega to face French courts by Milota Sidorova

After 20 years spent in U.S. prisons, Panama's former military strongman Manuel Noriega has been extradited to France where he is going to face another trial for money-laundering. U.S. court charged Noriega for drug trafficking, racketeering and money-laundering. Long term prisoner in his 74 was transported to Paris airport, Charles De Gaulle late afternoon. The extradition order was signed by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. This move, however was illegal according Noriega's daughter Sandra who gave an interview in Panama's RPC radio. His lawyer, Frank Rubino objected he wasn't informed about this step. The information didn't come from the courtesy or State Departm! ent or the Justice Department. French officials however, knew this information for two weeks, confirmed Guillaume Didier, the spokesman of French part.France sentenced Noriega in this absence to 10 years of jail, but now makes efforts to alive the trial for money-laundering. U.S. Supreme court denied the last legal chance to stop his extradition to France. Rubino said he would challenge French court with the right to immunity as a former head of state. This would prevent him from major part of charges.Panama government official said it respected American step, but repeated it was going to press its diplomacy to sent Noriega back home. According Panama's law he is facing three charges for violations of human rights. Each sentence makes 20 years. Former general came to the power with General Omar Torrijos's death in 1981 plane crash. Later on he became deeply involved with drug trafficking and was captured during the U.S. invasion in 1990.

related story (sgx170! 97): http://www.france24.com/en/20100426-noriega-panama-us-clinto...

by Milota Sidorova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

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