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Panama America, Panama

Panama Should Prosecute

Noriega and Learn the Truth

 

"If Noriega does return, one hopes that the authorities don't contribute to deepening the impunity that one perceives everywhere in Panama, and that our yearning for justice will not continue to be betrayed."

 

By Rodrigo Tomás Sang De León

 

Translated By Barbara Howe

 

August 14, 2007

 

Panama - Panama America - Original Article (Spanish)

In just a few days [Sept. 9], a U.S. judge will decide the fate of former Panamanian dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega. In the minds of many, this possibility that he could soon return is quite nerve-racking; not only because of the repression that we Panamanians lived under during his nacro-military dictatorship, but also because it's an open secret that many people did good business during that dark epoch of our history and - why not say it? - owe a great deal of their fortunes to him and his pals.

 

Surely with our discredited judicial system, it's no wonder that many believe that the possible repatriation of the ex-dictator will be a mockery, because he could be permitted to avoid paying for the crimes he has committed against so many Panamanians. 

 

I doubt that any Panamanian would be surprised to see Mr. Noriega receive some pseudo-legal measure that again puts him on the streets, or enjoying the rest of his life in the comfort of his home under house arrest - as has already occurred in other high profile cases.

 

Nevertheless, in my opinion, little has been investigated since the military dictatorship about what really happened during that period.

 

We don't know where the disappeared were taken; it isn't known for sure who were the intellectual and material authors of so many of the human rights violations inflicted on the citizens of this country; and what's worse, sadly, many of those famed personalities of the dictatorship have returned and hold prominent government posts, without uttering even a word of apology to those who suffered abuses during those days.

 

The return of Mr. Noriega would be a good opportunity to finally sort out the truth, to seek the forgiveness of the public and perhaps allow the wounds that still exist in many Panamanian homes to heal.

 

Noriega should speak the truth about so many crimes and human rights violations; In regard to all of those who, thanks to his favors, today enjoy enormous ill-gotten fortunes - these monies should be recovered for the benefit of the humblest in this country, and true justice should be done. It would also be interesting to know who paid for or sponsored Noriega's legal defense, since his own funds are supposedly frozen. If that were to happen, perhaps the masks of more than four would fall.

 

Let us now hope that in theory, Noriega will not enjoy the military power to cowardly repress a defenseless public, as he did in the past; show your face, speak and let justice be done.

 

If Noriega does return, one hopes the authorities don't contribute to deepening the impunity that one perceives everywhere in Panama, and that our yearning for justice will not continue to be betrayed.

 

I hope that eventually the truth will shine and that above all, Panamanian youth will know what happened here and why, so that such tragic events will never again occur in our beloved Panama.

 

[Editor's Note: Noriega is also wanted in France. His legal status in France is as follows: In July of 1999, a penal court in Paris condemned Noriega and his wife Felicidad for conducting financial transactions with funds originating from drug-trafficking. Noriega and Felicidad were tried in absentia, sentenced to 10 years in prison each, and ordered to pay fines of over $30 million. A French tribunal issued arrest warrants for Noriega and Felicidad; the whereabouts of Noriega was well-known, of course, but not Felicidad's. It is rumored that Felicidad has quietly returned to Panama, and if so, France admits that it will not be able to extradite her because the Panamanian Constitution prohibits extradition].

 

SEE ALSO:

 

La Prensa, Panama

France Asks Washington for

Custody of Manuel Noriega

http://www.WORLDMEETS.US/laprensapa000004.shtml

 

Critica, Panama

In U.S. and Panama, Noriega

is an Electoral 'Hot Potato' …

http://www.WORLDMEETS.US/critica000008.shtml

 

Critica, Panama

Manuel Noriega Fights to Keep

U.S. from Sending Him to France

http://www.WORLDMEETS.US/critica000007.shtml

 

La Prensa, Panama

Manuel Noreiga's Release

a 'Headache' for Panama

http://www.WORLDMEETS.US/laprensapa000005.shtml

 

 

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Captured: Panamanian strong man Manuel Noriega has his mug shot taken after his capture by American forces and his arrest on charges of drug trafficking, January 1989.


American Troops on the ground in Panama, on the hunt for Generalissimo Manuel Noriega in December, 1989





Christmas Day 1989, Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega seeks refuge inside the Papal Nunciatura (the Vatican equivalent of an embassy) in Panama City. American troops quickly formed a perimeter outside.


President George H.W. Bush and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, General Colin Powell: Some saw the invasion of Panama as a way of silencing Manuel Noriega, who had a history of working with the CIA and who was regarded as a loose cannon - especially given that a former CIA director that he had cooperated with was then in the White House.