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Judge Allows Terrorism Victims to Sue Arab Bank

[AP/Forbes] Tom Hays - Israelis and other foreign nationals can pursue in U.S. courts claims accusing the Jordan-based Arab Bank of promoting Palestinian suicide attacks by funneling Saudi money to bombers' families, Judge Nina Gershon ruled Monday in federal court in Brooklyn. "In light of the universal condemnation of organized and systematic suicide bombings and other murderous acts intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, this court finds that such conduct violates an established norm of international law," Gershon wrote. "The court further finds that the conduct alleged by plaintiffs is sufficiently specific and well-defined to be recognized as a claim." The ruling allows thousands of suicide bombing victims and their families to seek damages, said Michael Elsner, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. Banks and private individuals that aid and abet acts of terrorism "may be held civilly liable in the U.S., even if those acts occur outside the U.S.," he said.
2007-01-31 01:00:00
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