Panama demolishes former dictator's residence
A bulldozer is demolishing a mansion once owned by former dictator Manuel Noriega, after the Panamanian government found no buyers for it.
A bulldozer is demolishing a mansion once owned by former dictator Manuel Noriega, after the Panamanian government found no buyers for it.
Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli said Thursday the rambling, weed-choked residence had become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, rats and other pests. The estate valued at $2.5 million is in Panama City's posh San Francisco district, but a yearslong effort to sell it received no bids.
Previously, Martinelli proposed using the site as a "Memory Park" to remind Panamanians of the damage Noriega did to Panama. Noriega was toppled by a 1989 U.S. invasion and served 17 years in the U.S. for drug trafficking. The 79-year-old was later convicted in France of money laundering and returned to Panama to serve a 60-year sentence on charges including murder.
-Sapa