French court refuses to free Noriega ahead of money laundering trial

French court refuses to free Noriega before trial

PARIS — A French court has rejected a demand by former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega to be released from detention before his money laundering trial.

The court says the risks of Noriega fleeing “are important and justify” his detention at La Sante prison before the June 28-30 trial. Noriega intends to appeal Wednesday’s decision.

The 72-year-old former dictator was extradited April 27 by the United States to face charges he laundered some $3 million in drug proceeds by buying luxury Paris apartments. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

During the hearing Noriega denounced the U.S., where he was convicted of drug trafficking, as “police of the world.”

France did not accord him prisoner of war status, as he was given in the U.S. since being detained in 1989.