# Manuel Noriega > Panamanian head of state (1934-2017) **Wikidata**: [Q192667](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q192667) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_Noriega) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/manuel-noriega ## Summary Manuel Noriega was a Panamanian politician, military officer, and drug lord who served as the head of state of Panama from 1983 to 1989. He rose to prominence as a military leader and later became a controversial figure due to his involvement in drug trafficking and human rights abuses. His rule was marked by authoritarianism and international condemnation, culminating in his overthrow during the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989. ## Biography - Born: February 11, 1934 (exact location not specified) - Nationality: Panamanian - Education: Attended the Chorrillos Military School and the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation - Known for: Leading Panama as a military dictator and controversial drug trafficking operations - Employer(s): Panamanian military, Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation - Field(s): Military leadership, politics, drug trafficking ## Contributions Manuel Noriega played a significant role in Panama's political landscape as a military officer and later as a drug lord. His tenure as head of state was marked by authoritarian rule and human rights abuses. He was involved in drug trafficking networks, which contributed to his downfall. His leadership during the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989 led to his eventual capture and extradition to the United States, where he was convicted of drug trafficking and other crimes. ## FAQs - **What was Manuel Noriega's role in Panama?** Manuel Noriega served as the head of state of Panama from 1983 to 1989, ruling as a military dictator. - **What was Manuel Noriega known for?** He was known for his involvement in drug trafficking, authoritarian rule, and human rights abuses during his time in power. - **How did Manuel Noriega's rule end?** His rule ended with the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989, leading to his capture and subsequent extradition to the United States. - **What were the consequences of Manuel Noriega's actions?** He was convicted of drug trafficking and other crimes in the United States and served time in prison. - **What was Manuel Noriega's educational background?** He attended the Chorrillos Military School and the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. ## Why They Matter Manuel Noriega's rule in Panama was marked by significant political and social upheaval. His authoritarian leadership and involvement in drug trafficking made him a controversial figure both domestically and internationally. The U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989, which led to his overthrow, highlighted the global implications of his actions. His case remains a notable example of the intersection of military power, drug trafficking, and international intervention. ## Notable For - **Military Leadership**: Served as a prominent military officer in Panama. - **Drug Trafficking**: Involved in large-scale drug trafficking operations. - **Authoritarian Rule**: Ruled Panama as a military dictator from 1983 to 1989. - **U.S. Invasion**: Faced the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989, leading to his capture. - **Legal Consequences**: Convicted of drug trafficking and other crimes in the United States. ## Body ### Early Life and Military Career Manuel Noriega was born on February 11, 1934, in Panama. He attended the Chorrillos Military School and later the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. His military career began in the 1960s, and he rose through the ranks to become a prominent figure in Panamanian politics. ### Political Rise and Rule Noriega came to power in 1983 after a military coup, establishing himself as the head of state. His rule was marked by authoritarianism and human rights abuses. He implemented policies that centralized power and suppressed dissent, leading to international condemnation. ### Drug Trafficking and Downfall Noriega's involvement in drug trafficking became increasingly prominent during his tenure. His actions contributed to his downfall, as the U.S. government sought to dismantle his drug networks. The U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989 was a direct response to Noriega's actions, leading to his capture and subsequent extradition to the United States. ### Legal Consequences and Legacy After his capture, Noriega was convicted of drug trafficking and other crimes. He served time in prison and was eventually released. His legacy remains controversial, with some viewing him as a corrupt and dangerous figure, while others analyze his actions within the context of Cold War geopolitics and Panama's political history. ### Awards and Recognition Noriega received the Commander of the Legion of Honour from France, reflecting his status as a military leader. However, his actions during his rule in Panama overshadowed this recognition, leading to his eventual downfall and legal consequences. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/418188/Manuel-Noriega) 2. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-40090143) 3. Catalog of the German National Library 4. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/10/us/noriega-verdict-us-jury-convicts-noriega-drug-trafficking-role-leader-panama.html) 5. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/06/magazine/on-language-hit-my-hot-button.html) 6. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/lists/506/000063317/) 7. BnF authorities 8. [Source](http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/bob-hoskins-dead-an-actor-with-a-vast-range-who-crashed-into-celebrity-9308824.html) 9. [Source](http://countrylicious.com/panama/images/cd74ca6e919f) 10. International Standard Name Identifier 11. Virtual International Authority File 12. Czech National Authority Database 13. Find a Grave 14. Munzinger Personen 15. [La Nación. 2017](http://www.lanacion.com.ar/2028642-murio-el-ex-dictador-panameno-manuel-noriega) 16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 17. BBC Things 18. [Source](https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/former-panama-dictator-noriega-cremated-117053100125_1.html)