What is manuel noriega ruiz?

Manuel Noriega Ruiz was a former Panamanian general and politician who was the de facto ruler of Panama from 1983 to 1989. He rose to power as the head of intelligence for General Omar Torrijos, who had seized power in a military coup in 1968. Noriega became the de facto leader of Panama after Torrijos died in a plane crash in 1981.

Noriega was known for his close ties to the United States government, which had supported him until 1989 when the US invaded Panama, arresting him and taking him to the US to stand trial on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering. He was convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison but was released in 2007 and returned to Panama, where he was imprisoned for crimes committed during his time in power.

Noriega died on May 29, 2017, at the age of 83 due to complications from brain surgery. He was a controversial figure in Panamanian history, with supporters and detractors divided over his legacy and the role he played in the country's politics and society.