#United States #New York #BNP Paribas #Sudanese Refugees #Genocide

Landmark Verdict for Sudanese Refugees

In a groundbreaking legal decision, a Manhattan federal jury has rendered a historic verdict against BNP Paribas, holding the global banking giant responsible for its involvement in the financial facilitation of genocidal activities against Sudanese refugees. This verdict not only awards over $20 million to the claimants but also establishes a powerful precedent regarding the accountability of financial institutions in cases of human rights violations.

The case, which unfolded over five weeks, focused on the complicity of BNP Paribas in the atrocities committed in Sudan between 2002 and 2008. The jury found the bank liable for violating U.S. sanctions, which allowed the Sudanese government, under the Islamic al-Bashir regime, to access substantial U.S. dollars through banking channels in Geneva. This financial backing was crucial in enabling the regime's systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing and violence against Black Africans in the region.

Lead Trial Attorney Bobby DiCello remarked on the significance of the ruling, declaring it a miscarriage of justice alleviated. “The jury recognized that financial institutions cannot turn a blind eye to the consequences of their actions,” he stated, emphasizing the plight of the Sudanese survivors who have faced devastating loss and suffering. Through this verdict, the voices of the refugees have been vindicated in a court of law, and their fight for justice has finally gained acknowledgment.

The plaintiff group, comprising over 20,000 Sudanese refugees in the United States, had argued that the multi-billion dollar transactions facilitated by BNP Paribas directly contributed to the devastation they experienced in Sudan. The jury's decision to award compensation, totaling over $20 million, included specific amounts of $6.4 million to Abulgasim Abdalla, $7.3 million to Entesar Osman Kashef, and $6.75 million to Turjuman Adam.

Co-Lead Counsel Michael Hausfeld expressed the wider implications of this verdict, stating that it exemplifies the law's ability to hold powerful entities accountable for their actions and their contribution to human rights abuses. He cited the principles established at the Nuremberg trials, highlighting a commitment to justice that transcends borders.

The verdict sends a resounding message to banks and financial institutions worldwide: they can and will be held liable for the repercussions of their financial dealings that relate to human rights abuses. It is a call to action for corporations to actively consider the ethical implications of their transactions and the potential human cost of their financial dealings.

Kathryn Lee Boyd, another Co-Lead Counsel, lauded the courage of the survivors, stating, “This verdict is first and foremost a testament to the courage and resilience of the survivors, whose voices have finally been recognized.”

The legal battle has been a collaborative effort led by several esteemed law firms, including DiCello Levitt, Hausfeld, Hecht Partners, and Zuckerman Spaeder. These firms have worked tirelessly to secure this landmark ruling amid an intricate web of financial transactions and legal hurdles.

This case marks one of the first times a global bank has been held civilly liable for facilitating human rights violations. The outcome opens the door for further legal action against financial institutions that may have been complicit in similar atrocities worldwide. As international law evolves, this verdict could pave the way for more accountability and responsibility among corporations in the financing of oppressive regimes.

In conclusion, this historic ruling not only brings some measure of justice to Sudanese refugees but also serves as a critical reminder of the importance of financial accountability in the global landscape. It underscores a pivotal moment in the intersection of finance and human rights, setting a precedent for those who might seek justice in the future.