International

Judge denies Noriega request

A U.S. court decision Wednesday removes one more hurdle to the former dictator’s extradition.

A U.S. federal judge has turned down a request by lawyers representing former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega to block his extradition to France.

Judge Paul Huck heard arguments Wednesday by Frank Rubino and Jon May, the two attorneys who are representing Noriega. Afterward, the judge upheld a previous ruling in favor of France's petition to extradite Noriega on money laundering charges.

Noriega's lawyers had argued that he should be treated as a prisoner of war, and, as such, can only be returned to the country where he was captured. U.S. authorities took Noriega into custody in a 1989 invasion. He was tried in Florida on numerous charges and convicted. He was released last year after serving part of a 30-year sentence, which was later reduced to 20 years. He also received credit for good behavior.

Instead of being released, Noriega has remained in custody while U.S. courts attempt to sort out his situation. Noriega wants to return to Panama, but French officials have sought to block his return.