Lawyers representing Saudi Arabia argued in a Manhattan court on Wednesday against being held liable in lawsuits seeking over $100 billion for the families of victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. They contended that Saudi Arabia, like the United States, fought against terrorism and al-Qaida in the 1990s and should not be a defendant in the case.
The plaintiffs, including hundreds of victims' relatives, injured survivors, insurance companies, and businesses, allege that Saudi government employees knowingly assisted the 9/11 hijackers and supported al-Qaida's development through funding charities that aided them. They presented evidence suggesting that extremist religious leaders in Saudi Arabia influenced the government and aided the attackers.
Attorneys for Saudi Arabia emphasized that the nation had taken actions against Osama bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaida, including stripping him of his citizenship in the 1990s. They argued that the claims against Saudi Arabia lacked sufficient evidence and were unfounded.
The plaintiffs' lawyer countered by presenting video evidence of a 'welcome party' in California for two hijackers in 2000, allegedly attended by influential Saudi individuals linked to the government. They claimed that Saudi officials collaborated with a militant network in the U.S. to support the hijackers.
Declassified documents revealed that U.S. investigators had looked into Saudi diplomats and individuals with government ties who had contact with the hijackers. While the 9/11 Commission report found no evidence of direct funding by the Saudi government, it noted the likelihood of involvement by Saudi-government-sponsored charities.
The case against Saudi Arabia had been dismissed previously, but new legislation allowed the victims to reassert their claims. Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, had opposed the new law.
Outside the courthouse, Terry Strada, national chair of 9/11 Families United, described the hearing as 'incredible' and stated that new revelations had shed light on the kingdom of Saudi Arabia's alleged involvement in the attacks.
