Former Panamanian Leader Manuel Noriega Extradited to France, Vows to Fight Charges of Money Laundering

Former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega appeared before French prosecutors on Tuesday morning following his extradition from the United States on Monday. France had requested Noriega be extradited to face charges of money laundering, a charge he was found guilty of in 1999 despite his absence.

Noriega had been in U.S. custody since 1990 after his dictatorship in Panama was overthrown. He was brought o the United States and tried and convicted on eight counts of drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering in April 1992.

On Monday Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signed a “surrender warrant” and Noriega was transported to Miami airport at which time French prison officials escorted the 76-year-old on the Air France flight to Paris.

France sentenced Noriega to ten years in 1999 after he was convicted of laundering more than $3 million in drug trafficking money by purchasing apartments in Paris. While he was found guilty he will now be given a new trial now that he is in the country.

Noriega plans to fight the case, insisting the statue of limitations has expired. He has also said that as a former head of state he should have immunity.

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