Noriega Back In Panama To Serve Jail Terms

Former military dictator Manuel Noriega has returned to Panama to immediately begin serving a 20-year jail term for the murders of opponents during his rule.

Noriega, now 77, was toppled in a US invasion of Panama in 1989, has spent the last two decades behind bars, first in Florida and then in France after being convicted of drug trafficking and money laundering during his time in power.

After arriving in Panama, Noriega was transferred via helicopter to police headquarters, from where he was transported in a convoy to La Renacer prison.

A small group of anti-Noriega protesters gathered outside the gates of the prison.

Noriega was convicted in absentia in three homicide cases during his rule.

He will also face charges over the murder in 1970 of Heliodoro Portugal, an opponent of Panama's military leaders.

Noriega was sentenced to 20 years in each case, and will serve the terms concurrently.

A special unit has been prepared for him at a jail near the Panama Canal surrounded by tropical rainforest.