A truth commission in Panama found 110 cases of murders and forced
disappearances of Noriega opponents during his dictatorship.
The return of Noriega, who was on the CIA’s payroll from 1968 to 1986 before
he became an enemy of Washington, has sparked speculation at the possibility
that he could reveal secrets about political figures and wealth amassed
under his regime.
Noriega’s rule came to an end when then US president George H.W. Bush ordered
US troops to invade Panama on December 20, 1989, claiming it was necessary
to safeguard US citizens, secure the US-built canal, battle drug trafficking
and defend democracy.
Noriega, who will turn 78 in the coming week, is serving three 20-year jail
terms for the abduction and murder of three opponents: Hugo Spadafora, a
doctor and former deputy health minister, in 1985; Captain Moises Giroldi in
1989; and union activist Heliodoro Portugal in 1970.
There was speculation he may leave prison, as Panama allows convicts 70 years
and older to serve their time at home.
When he arrived home, Noriega’s lawyers said they expected the Panamanian
justice system to take into account their client’s advanced age and weak
health, noting that he has suffered several strokes in the past.
News of his hospitalisation quickly spread in the Central American nation.
“I’m glad he is getting the medical attention he denied me,” said
Colonel Roberto Diaz Herrera, a former aide to Noriega who was later
imprisoned and nearly died from illness.
“I want him to recover and face the law,” said Diaz.
But former protest leader Aurelio Barria said he found it “suspicious”
that Noriega’s condition arose on the same day as riot police broke up a
protest of indigenous activists, and said it may be part of an effort by his
family to bring him home.
Barria said that if he is ill, he should be treated “and when he is
cured, he should return to his cell.”
Source: AFP
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