Manuel Noriega Refuses by US Judge

The federal judge in Miami rejected claims from attorneys for former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, who are seeking to block an extradition request from France. The lawyers filed motion in July, arguing that Noriega should be returned to Panama, because he was declared a U.S. "prisoner of war" following his 1992 conviction on drug trafficking charges.

U.S. judge has refused to block the extradition of former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega to France to face money laundering charges. In Miami, VOA's Brian Wagner reports that Noriega is seeking to return home when his U.S. prison term ends next month.

In his written decision, District Judge William Hoeveler noted that the Geneva Convention on prisoners of war does not require that Noriega be repatriated, nor does it protect him from future prosecutions. He also ruled that it is unclear if Panama is actively seeking Noriega's return to face charges of embezzlement, corruption and murder.

source