Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Panama Forum

8 years ago

Manuel Noriega trial May 21st 2015

8 years ago
Panama's former strongman Manuel Noriega will face trial for the 1970 disappearance of a leftist union activist, his lawyer said Monday, the latest in a string of cases against the jailed ex-leader.

Noriega, who has served prison terms in three countries since his ouster in a US invasion in 1989, will go on trial on May 21 for the disappearance of Heliodoro Portugal, said his lawyer Ezra Angel.

The former strongman is currently serving a 60-year sentence for the disappearance and killing of his opponents during his time in power, which began in 1983.

Noriega was head of the National Guard and then-de facto-dictator Omar Torrijos's right-hand man, at the time Portugal was detained by the military in May 1970.

The union activist's body was found in 1999 outside an old military barracks near the Panama City international airport.

Other military officers are also implicated in the case, Angel said.

Noriega, now 80 years old, is currently in prison in El Renacer penitentiary along the Panama Canal.

After his ouster, he was jailed for 20 years in the United States for drug trafficking, then extradited to France and jailed there two years for money laundering.

France extradited him back to Panama in 2011. He has repeatedly asked to be transferred to house arrest because of failing health, but authorities have refused.

A truth commission in Panama found 110 cases of murders and disappearances of Noriega opponents during his dictatorship.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Panama GuideLiving in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute to Panama Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in PanamaHealthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in PanamaCost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to PanamaMoving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in PanamaReal Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros Cons of Living in PanamaPros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in PanamaRetiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Visa and Residency PanamaPanama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Panama Network Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal