In 1990, former Panamian dictator Manuel Noriega was sentenced in federal court in Florida to 30 years in prison for drug smuggling. Because his crimes pre-dated 1987, he wasn't sentenced under federal guidelines but was given a sentence that included release on parole. He was denied parole twice, and requested another consideration.

He has just been denied parole again. This time, the federal judge who sentenced him, William Hoeveler, wrote a letter to the Parole Commission advocating parole for Noriega, who is now 70 years old. It is the first time the Judge made such a recommendation in his 27years as a Judge.

Under the old parole guidelines, Noriega can be made to serve 20 of his 30 years. However, the parole commission, in its discretion, can grant him early release Noriega's attorney, Frank Rubino, has promised to appeal:

Rubino said the U.S. attorney's office in Miami and the Department of Justice in Washington continue to politicize Noriega's case. Noriega was arrested in late 1989 on orders from President George Bush.

Noriega has a private apartment-style cell in Florida. He's 70 years old. Do we really need to continue paying for his upkeep and medical care? We say, parole Mr. Noriega now.