So, here’s a cosmic riddle for your Tuesday: when the stars align to spotlight justice, what do you get? Apparently, a federal judge just tossed out Saudi Arabia’s bid to dodge a lawsuit filed by the families of 9/11 victims — a case that alleges Saudi agents on U.S. soil were more than just distant shadows, but an “essential support network” for the hijackers. Now, if you’re thinking, “Wait, I thought sovereign immunity was supposed to protect foreign governments from these suits?” you’re spot on—that’s where a 2016 law shook things up, making Saudi Arabia an unusual exception to that rule. The Saudis aren’t taking this lightly; their embassy says they’re gearing up for an appeal, insisting this verdict only addresses jurisdiction, not the core claims they flatly deny. Meanwhile, Mercury might be retrograde, but this legal saga is just getting started—what’s next in this celestial courtroom drama? LEARN MORE.
Just on Aug. 28, The New York Times reported that a federal judge rejected Saudi Arabia’s attempt to dismiss a lawsuit by the families of Sept. 11, which alleges the Saudi government agents in the United States supplied an “essential support network” for the hijackers involved in the 9/11 attacks.
A 2016 law passed by Congress allowed an exception for Saudi Arabia to be sued, despite foreign governments usually being protected from civil lawsuits under the doctrine of sovereign immunity, according to the publication.
In a statement obtained by CNN, a spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s embassy said they were “reviewing” the decision. “Saudi Arabia respectfully disagrees with the decision, believes it has solid grounds for appeal, and intends to pursue such an appeal. We note that the decision is limited to the issue of jurisdiction and does not decide the merits of Plaintiffs’ claims against Saudi Arabia, claims that Saudi Arabia categorically denies.”
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