Noriega to France? DOJ Files Extradition Papers

July 17, 2007 — -- Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega might be headed to France after he leaves his federal prison cell in Florida this fall.

The Department of Justice filed an extradition complaint in federal court Tuesday, arguing that Noriega should be sent to France to face money laundering charges in that country. Noriega was convicted in absentia by a French court in 1999.

The U.S. complaint, filed on behalf of the French government, said Noriega would be granted a new trial in France if extradited.

Noriega was captured after the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989. He was brought to Florida, where he stood trial, and was convicted for drug trafficking, money laundering and racketeering.

Noriega is set to be released from U.S. custody on Sept. 9, according to the Bureau of Prisons.

Panama is also seeking his extradition.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Noriega's attorney, Frank Rubino, said his client should be returned to Panama after his U.S. prison term is up this fall. Rubino told the news service that he would try to block any attempt to extradite Noriega to face charges in other countries.

"I don't think the U.S. government has the legal authority to send him to France," Rubino told Reuters. "I don't see how the U.S. can just tear up the Geneva Conventions."