Ex-Dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega in Happier Days …

Europe1, France

A Criminal or Not, Noriega Keeps His Légion d'honneur

"Foreigners who receive this distinction aren't subject to the discipline of the Légion d'Honneur, which includes sanctions, suspension, or even revocation, depending on behavior."

Translated By Kate Brumback

August 29, 2007

France - Europe1 - Original Article (French)

Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega was named Commander of the Legion of Honor [Légion d'Honneur ] on January 22, 1987 and has never had that decoration revoked. He was, however, convicted of drug trafficking in the United States and money laundering in France, where he is slated to be extradited soon. In Panama, his country of origin, he must still do 54 years in prison for the assassination of two opposition leaders.

Since January 22, 1987, Manuel Noriega has been decorated with the Legion of Honor. According to the Grand Chancellery of the Order, this decoration was bestowed within the framework of “diplomatic relations,” on the recommendation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But even after so many convictions in the United States, France and Panama for common law crimes but also for his attacks on human rights, Manuel Noriega never lost this distinction. It's a decoration that takes on a very particular meaning with the former dictator due to be extradited to France in the days to come.

On Tuesday, an American federal judge effectively approved his extradition to France. Noriega was sentenced in absentia by France to ten years in prison for money laundering. He has been held in the United States since 1990, after having been captured by the American army during an invasion of Panama ordered by George Bush the elder. The former Panamanian dictator was sentenced to 40 years in prison, a sentence that was reduced to 17 years for good behavior. He must also serve a sentence of 54 years in prison for his involvement in the disappearance and murder of opponents between 1968 and 1989.

In creating the Legion of Honor, Napoleon provided that the dignity of the “great eagle” be used to facilitate diplomatic relations. However the foreigners who receive this distinction aren't subject to the discipline of the Legion of Honor, which includes sanctions, suspension, or even revocation, depending on behavior. Alongside Noriega, the former Romanian dictator Nicolai Ceaucescu  was also decorated with the Legion of Honor, in the name of “diplomatic exchanges between Heads of State.”

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

Panama America, Panama

Panama Should Prosecute

Noriega and Learn the Truth

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

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