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Rudy Giuliani Takes On Manuel Noriega in 'Call of Duty' Suit

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is joining a video game company's legal fight against disgraced Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega
Image: Manuel Noriega is depicted in the video game \"Call of Duty: Black Ops II.\"
Manuel Noriega as depicted in Activision Blizzard's 2012 game, "Call of Duty: Black Ops II." Activision on Monday, Sept. 22, 2014 announced that former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani is joining the video game maker's legal team in seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the former Panamanian dictator for use of his likeness without permission. Activision Blizzard via AP

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is joining a video game company's legal fight against disgraced Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, who is suing Activision over his inclusion in one of its popular "Call of Duty" games. Activision Blizzard Inc. announced Monday that Giuliani and his firm will ask a Los Angeles judge to dismiss Noriega's lawsuit, which claims his likeness was used without permission in 2012's"Call of Duty: Black Ops II."

Giuiliani told The Associated Press he took the case because he doesn't want the imprisoned Noriega to profit from his crimes, which include convictions for murder, drug trafficking and money laundering. Also, Giuiliani said that if the lawsuit is upheld, it could give historical figures and their heirs veto power over their depiction in books, television, movies and video games.

Noriega sued Activision in July, claiming the company depicted him as a "kidnapper, murderer and enemy of the state."

"I am outraged that he is seeking millions and millions of dollars that he can take down to a Panamanian prison from a great American company," Giuliani said Monday. "Noriega going after 'Call of Duty,' you should think of it as Osama bin Laden's family going after 'Zero Dark Thirty,'" he said.

The lawsuit contends Noriega's inclusion in the game increased Activision's profits from "Black Ops II." The game earned more than $1 billion in sales within 15 days of its release. Noreiga's attorney William T. Gibbs declined to comment on Giuliani's statements.

IN-DEPTH

- The Associated Press