FRANCE - Noriega testifies in money-laundering trial

PARIS (AP):

Manuel Noriega took the stand at his money-laundering trial in France yesterday, and the former Panamanian dictator appeared confused about the most basic of biographical information: his age.

Noriega's lawyers also complained about dirty, dilapidated conditions in the prison where their client is being held and the way he was extradited from the United States in April.

The former military strongman, who spent 20 years in United States (US) custody for drug trafficking, could be jailed for 10 years if he is convicted as charged in France.

Noriega, who listened to the proceedings through a translator without showing emotion, had his hair slicked back and wore a dark suit and red tie. He is not permitted to wear his military uniform in France since he is not being treated as a prisoner of war here.

His three daughters, dressed to the nines in sleek outfits and heels, were there to support him.

The former dictator started his brief testimony with a stumble when he was asked about discrepancies in his date of birth on different legal documents.

Ageing strongman

His shoulders trembled as he stood. Asked to state his birth date, Noriega initially said February 11, 1936, then immediately corrected himself, saying he was born in 1934. He spoke through a translator.

The Paris trial is a new legal battle for the ageing strongman, deposed after a 1989 US invasion.

His lawyers argued yesterday that the prison is unfit for him. They also stressed that his extradition from the US should be annulled because France is not treating him as a prisoner of war. In Miami, Noriega had separate quarters in prison and the right to wear his military uniform and insignia.

Lawyer Yves Leberquier said Noriega's being held in Paris in "conditions that are unacceptable." He read a report by an European Union human rights commissioner condemning the state of La Sante as "at the limits of human dignity."

Noriega's cell measures 2 metres by 3 metres (7 feet by 10 feet), Leberquier said. He said Noriega has been asking to see a doctor for two months and hasn't yet seen one. Leberquier said Noriega suffers from blood pressure problems and is paralysed on the left side because of a stroke four years ago.

Another defence lawyer, Olivier Metzner, noted the "immense services" Noriega paid to France, and noted that he was made commander in the Legion of Honor.

The French indictment says Noriega was born in 1938, although his legal team says he was born four years earlier.