Manuel Noriega Hospitalized With Extreme Hypertension
Former Panama Dictator Suffers Possible Stroke
Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega was hospitalized in Panama this weekend due to suffering extreme hypertension that nearly led to a stroke, according to Panamanian health officials.
The former dictator, 77, was sent from his station at Panama's El Renacer prison to Hospital Santo Tomas on Sunday afternoon for medical treatment. Police officials expressed fear that Noriega had possibly suffered a stroke and upon arrival at the hospital doctors also saw signs of a possible brain hemorrhage.
Noriega will stay in the intensive care unit for 24 hours following his hospitalization but officials do not believe that the former leader's health is in dire straights.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"He is conscious, knows where he is and we are not finding any injury with long-term effects at this moment," Health Minister Franklin Vergara told the press.
Panamanian authorities expressed concern over Noriega's health and physical mobility back in December. Noriega had suffered a stroke several years back which left him with paralysis on the left side of his body, impacting his leg and face.
Some critics find the hospitalization of the former dictator suspicious arguing that his sudden health condition might be a move on behalf of Noriega's family to set him free to serve the duration of his prison term from home.
Noriega was the military governor of Panama from 1983 until he was toppled by a U.S. invasion in 1989. Prior to becoming Panama's leader he served as the country's longtime intelligence chief and was utilized by the CIA to gather intelligence information vital to U.S. interests in the region.
Upon his ousting from power he was transferred to the United States where he faced charges of drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering. He served 17 years in prison in the United States before being extradited to France under charges of money laundering.
He is currently serving 20 years in a Panama prison for human rights violations. His leadership conjures ill memories among Panamanian citizens who remember his violent tactics that witnessed an unleashing of "Dignity Battalions" to brutally suppress opposition.
