Federal Judge Orders Iran to Pay $2.65 Billion
September 7, 2007 by pulkit
In 1983, the U.S Marine’s saw their barracks rocked in Beirut by the most powerful non-nuclear explosion till date and the worst act of terrorism against the U.S prior to 9/11. It killed 241 Marines.
Now after nearly quarter-a-century, a federal judge has ordered Iran (the country was complicit with Hezbollah) to pay $2.65 billion to the families of the victims of that blast.
It is a landmark ruling, for never before has any foreign country been asked to pay such a huge amount as compensation for an act of terror.
It is unlikely that Iran would pay the damages directly, as it has not owned up to the despicable act. But a new legislation might open the flood gates for the victims to take under control the Iranian property and bank accounts that is seized around the world.
Families were encouraged by Libya’s decision to ultimately accept responsibility for the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight over Scotland. The country, once a pariah by Washington’s view, agreed to compensate the families of the 270 victims. Part of the $2.7 billion has been paid. A final $2 million installment to each family is outstanding.[source]
