French court keeps Noriega behind bars pending money laundering trial
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}PARIS (AP) — A Paris appeals court has rejected former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega's request to be freed from jail pending a French money laundering trial.
The court says there is a serious risk that Noriega could flee, justifying keeping him behind bars before the June 28-30 trial.
Noriega, hair slicked back and wearing his Legion of Honor award on his jacket, did not speak during Friday's hearing. He cast frequent glances across the courtroom at his family members.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Noriega was extradited last month to France from the United States, where he spent 20 years in prison for drug trafficking.
He is accused in France of laundering cocaine profits.