Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Bloomberg Jan. 18:The judge overseeing lawsuits by victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks dismissed some claims that Saudi Arabia provided "massive" financial and logistical support to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.
Multibillion dollar lawsuits filed on behalf of thousands of survivors, victims, and insurers assert that more than 200 defendants aided al-Qaeda. Ruling in eight the cases today, U.S. District Judge Richard Casey dismissed claims against Saudi Arabia, Saudi princes, and some banks. Saudi Arabia still faces similar claims in other cases overseen by Casey.
The ruling will probably lead to a dismissal in the other cases in favor of Saudi Arabia, the banks, and the princes, said Justin Green, a plaintiff's lawyer at Kreindler & Kreindler who represents more than 500 victims.
... "We believe we're entitled to take a look at their banking records." Green said the plaintiffs haven't yet decided whether to appeal.
[...]
Casey, in a 62-page, single-spaced opinion, allowed claims to go forward against Saudi Binladin Group, the construction and distribution company run by bin Laden's relatives. ...
The judge dismissed claims against Al-Rajhi Banking & Investment Corp., Saudi American Bank, Arab Bank Plc, and royalty including Saudi Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Saudi Arabia's lawyer, Mark Hansen, didn't immediately return a call.
In addition to Binladin Group, Casey refused to dismiss claims against the National Commercial Bank and several other defendants. Also, dozens of defendants, including foundations and charities such as the Muslim World League, weren't involved in the ruling.
[...]
To contact the reporter on this story: David Glovin in Manhattan federal court dglovin@bloomberg.net .....---
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