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.
