Panama's Noriega to be Released from US Prison in September (Pineapple Face going home)

Voice of America ^ | January 24, 2007 | Lisa Ferdinando

[HAL9000]

The defense attorney for Manuel Noriega says the former Panamanian dictator is to be released from a Miami prison in September. Lisa Ferdinando reports from Miami.

Noriega has been in U.S. custody since surrendering 17 years ago during the U.S. invasion of Panama.

He is currently serving a 30-year sentence for drug trafficking and money laundering.

"He has now come to the point where he has served what is known as his mandatory release time, which means the government must release him from custody on September 9th this year," said Frank Rubino, Noriega's attorney.

Rubino says good behavior was one of the factors considered for the release. He says his client plans return to Panama once out of U.S. custody.

"He has only been to the United States three times in his whole life and has no desire to stay here," he said. "Like anyone else, he wants to return to his home."

But in Panama, Noriega was convicted in absentia on murder charges, and Rubino says his client plans to defend himself in that case.

"When he returns to Panama, he will, through his lawyers, make a motion to reopen that trial so he can participate in it," he said.

Rubino says Noriega plans to do the same to fight a conviction in France.

Noriega ruled Panama for most of the 1980s. He was toppled by the U.S. invasion of Panama which began December 1989.

[cripplecreek]

Why do I have a feeling we'll be seeing photos of him and Hugo before long?

[rottndog]

Why do I have a feeling we'll be seeing photos of him and Hugo before long?

I had that exact same first thought.

[snarks_when_bored]

Do released Panamanian dictators prefer revenge served cold or hot?

[JRios1968]

Why do I have a feeling we'll be seeing photos of him and Hugo before long?

Long lost brothers?

[Dog Gone]

I didn't think parole rules were that lenient in Federal prison.

I was under the impression that you basically had to serve over 90% of the original sentence.

I'm a lawyer, so I could look it up, but this isn't what I believed to be the case. He's getting out at about 50% (I'd have to check the timing of the sentence).

[Argus]

Maybe he and Chavez can swap skin care tips?

[Bringbackthedraft]

WATCH OUT! He still has friends inside and out of Panama. He was deposed by a foreign power, he may try for a come back. Who operates the canal? Who do you think will make him a hereo of the people? Its coming.

[kalee]

I was going to post almost the same thing.
I suspect he'll return to Panama by way of Venezuela.

[fishergirl]

I read the book "Six Seconds to Freedom" about an American who was imprisoned and threatened with execution during the Pineapple's reign. Noriega is someone who should never see the light of day again.

[snarks_when_bored]

Yep, with the resurgence of wild-eyed leaders in Latin America, it's almost inevitable that Noriega will find a way to start some sh*t.

[Paleo Conservative]

He'll be 69 in less than a month.

[Clintonfatigued]

"Why do I have a feeling we'll be seeing photos of him and Hugo before long?"

Because Hugo is a sucker for anyone who's anti-American.

[tet68]

Jimmy Carter hails release of Panamanian "Elder Statesman".

Ok, I made that up but it wouldn't surprise me a bit.

[Don Corleone]

He'll be 69 in less than a month

Is he on Social Security and Medicare...? Enquireing mind wants to know,

[cripplecreek]

[mkjessup]

We haven't heard the last of this SOB, but you can be sure Jimmy Carter will be doing all he can to certify Noriega's re-election as El Presidente' of Panama, if such an event takes place.

[snarks_when_bored]

Jimmy Carter hails release of Panamanian "Elder Statesman".

The Plains Peanut definitely dotes on dictators...

[Kevmo]

Bump for later reading

[PAR35]

I think his conviction pre-dates the abolition of federal parole.