Noriega gets free economy flight home

France has given the green light for the extradition of Panama’s former military dictator, Manuel Antonio Noriega, but his flight home will be paid for by the government.

Foreign Minister Roberto Henriquez said Wednesday that it will cost $10,000 – $15,000 for airline tickets for Noriega and his escort, which will include a doctor because of his age and health.

Henriques said that the former strongman will travel on a commercial flight and that the economy seat passengers will include guards and Foreign Ministry officials.

It will not include relatives. If only cronies want to give him a welcome, they should wait at the gates of the Renacer prison where he will be taken and where a cell fitted out for disabled prisoners awaits him. He is facing trial on multiple murder charges.

There are many in positions of power and former leaders who were close to him when he was in power.