Judge blocks Noriega extradition to France

A U.S. judge temporary blocked the extradition of Manuel Noriega four days before he is expected to be released from jail. Attorneys for the former Panamanian leader are trying to avoid that their client gets sent to France where he faces money laundering charges.

Despite awaiting jail time in Panama, the Associated Press notes that the French government is eager to bring Noriega to trial:

“Noriega was convicted in France on charges of laundering more than $3 million in drug proceeds through French banks, with some of the money used to buy luxury apartments in Paris, while he was jailed in the U.S. The French government agreed to give him a new trial if he was extradited, according to court documents.”

Noriega faces at least ten years in prison if he gets extradited and convicted in France.

Image- Javno

Sources (English)- Reuters, Guardian UK, Washington Post

Source (Spanish)- El Diario/La Prensa