Noriega Home In Panama After 22 Years

[webfact]

Noriega home in Panama after 22 years

AFP

Former Panama strongman Manuel Noriega has returned home under tight security after serving more than 20 years in prisons in the United States and France for drug trafficking and money laundering.

Noriega, military dictator 1983-1989, now faces three separate sentences for crimes committed in Panama, including the murder of critics.

The ex-strongman arrived on an Iberia flight from Paris on Sunday and was escorted by a delegation of six foreign ministry officials, police, doctors and a prosecutor.

Journalists aboard the flight told local media that doctors had to examine Noriega for unexplained health reasons upon arrival.

Noriega's rule came to an end when US president George HW Bush ordered US troops to invade Panama on December 20, 1989, claiming it was necessary to safeguard US citizens, secure the US-built canal, battle drug trafficking and defend democracy.

US soldiers overwhelmed the Panama Defence Force, and after days on the run Noriega took refuge in the Vatican embassy.

US forces surrounded the building and blasted rock-and-roll music from loudspeakers for days.

Noriega finally surrendered on January 3 1990, and was immediately flown to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.

Now 77 and frail, Noriega's return reopens a painful chapter for opponents and victims of his regime as well as ordinary Panamanians who say the ex-strongman has shown no sign of remorse.

However Panama's predominantly youthful population - the average age is 27 - is more concerned with the economic rigours of everyday life, not the fate of a man who ruled the country before many of them were even born.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-12-12

[elgato]

Welcome home "Pineapple Face"