U.S. Admits It Rushed Charges Against Noriega
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department acknowledged today that it failed to follow its own guidelines for considering national security problems when it brought drug charges against Panamanian leader Manuel Antonio Noriega.
“It now appears that there was some rush to draw up the Noriega indictment” and guidelines requiring a review of national security implications “may not have been completely followed,” spokesman David Runkel told reporters.
He added, however, “We believe there is a strong case against Gen. Noriega and that the case can be successfully brought to trial.”
In making the statement, Runkel backed away from his assertion Tuesday that concerns about the disclosure of state secrets in the Noriega case “have been grossly exaggerated.”
He said national security issues in the case are being or will soon be reviewed by prosecutors in the case and their departmental supervisors.
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