Posted on 03/14/2007 5:27:40 PM PDT by Enchante
A federal judge said Wednesday that Sudan is responsible for the bombing of the USS Cole but he needs more time to determine damages for the families of the 17 sailors killed when terrorists bombed the ship in 2000.
"There is substantial evidence in this case presented by the expert testimony that the government of Sudan induced the particular bombing of the Cole by virtue of prior actions of the government of Sudan," U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar said.
Looks like another job for Delta Force.
ping
ping
So many enemies, so little time...
This must be what Hillary feels like.
Isn't Sudan the country where they still have a slave trade that Jesse Jackson is too busy to notice?
I do not understand how this court and judge have jurisdiction over the Sudan. Isn't this where people have to go to the Supreme Court to sue another nation?
If I were the Sudan leaders I would tell this judge and his court to put his decision where the sun don't shine.
Educate me!
A favorable ruling to the defendants (monetary award) will allow them to begin proceedings to seize certain (not all) assets owned by the Sudanese government. I suppose it would also be possible to get a friendly third government to do the same, but that is easier said than done.
Assets located in the United States, I mean.
Retaliation for the aspirin-factory bombing?
The judge wouldn't have jurisdiction over Sudan, per se, but a ruling that the government of Sudan is responsible opens the door to seeking recovery of damages from Sudan. Thus, if Sudan has any assets within United States jurisdiction, or later introduces some, those with judgments against Sudan can have those assets seized and given to the plaintiffs. The U.S. itself could sue for the cost of repairing the ship, and other unusual expenses arising because of the incident. Survivors could sue for damages and disabilities they suffered. Next-of-kin could file wrongful death suits and seek monetary damages, too.
If Sudan has no money within U.S. jurisdiction and never puts any in a bank or other financial institution here, and doesn't own any property, etc. then nobody can collect anything, of course, but functioning internationally without putting anything anywhere that the U.S. has jurisdiction would be tough.
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