No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchivePanama’s Noriega back in prison after hospital stay

Panama’s Noriega back in prison after hospital stay

PANAMA CITY – Former Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega returned to prison Tuesday after weeks in the hospital due to a bout with bronchitis, a government official said.

A one-time CIA informant who was overthrown in a U.S. invasion, Noriega has been in and out of the hospital three times since his return to Panama in December. His latest hospital visit began May 9.

The 78-year-old was released from Santo Tomas Hospital early Tuesday and returned to prison “because his health has stabilized,” said Government Ministry spokeswoman Vielka Vernaza.

Noriega, who has suffered two strokes and has heart disease and a benign brain tumor, is serving three consecutive 20-year sentences for the disappearance of opponents during his years in power, from 1983-1989.

Since February, Noriega’s lawyers have been seeking permission for their client to serve out his prison term in a hospital or under house arrest because of his health problems.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Maintains Economic Stability Amid Global Tensions

Costa Rica is holding steady economically despite global tensions sparked by conflicts involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, according to Federico Quesada Chaves,...

Hondurans March to Mark 2009 Coup as Election Battle Heats Up

Thousands of government supporters marched Saturday in the capital of Honduras to commemorate the anniversary of the 2009 coup that ousted then-leftist President Manuel...

Retired Nicaraguan Army Captain Sentenced to 50 Years for Treason

A retired military officer was sentenced to 50 years in prison in Nicaragua for the crime of "treason against the homeland," his family denounced...

Protests Rise Over Panama Canal’s New Water Project

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino on Tuesday defended the construction of a new reservoir for the interoceanic canal and criticized those who oppose the...

Honduras Seizes $2 Million, Gold-Plated Pistols in Drug Raid

Honduran authorities struck a blow against drug cartels, seizing over $2 million in cash, war rifles, and flashy gold-plated pistols in Copán, a northwest...

Alligator Alcatraz: Trump’s Everglades Migrant Camp Draws Protests and Criticism

US President Donald Trump toured a new Florida migrant detention center dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" on Tuesday, boasting about the harsh conditions and joking that...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica