Press Releases
DISTRICT COURT CLEARS THE WAY FOR A CASE AGAINST ARAB BANK
Sweeping Court Decision by Judge Nina Gershon Denies Arab Bank's Motion to Dismiss Landmark Terror Financing Case
New York, NY (September 2, 2005)-- In a sweeping 31-page opinion the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York today denied Arab Bank’s motions to dismiss the case of Linde v. Arab Bank, Plc and the related cases filed thereafter. The Court ruled that American victims of Palestinian terrorism since September 2000 can bring claims under the Anti-Terrorism Act against Arab Bank Plc, Jordan’s largest financial institution.The ruling follows only days after the U.S. Treasury Department fined Arab Bank $24 million for numerous violations of the Bank Secrecy Act in connection with terror financing transactions through Arab Bank’s New York branch. “The Court’s decision breaks new ground in clarifying the civil remedies available to American victims of terrorism,” said Gary M. Osen, one of the lead attorneys in the Linde case. Mr. Osen, together with Robert A. Swift, the well-known Philadelphia trial attorney, represent 50 American families who are suing Arab Bank for allegedly providing financial services to HAMAS, Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organizations. The Linde case also alleges that Arab Bank implemented a death and dismemberment insurance plan for Palestinian terrorists who have been killed, injured or imprisoned as a result of the violent uprising that began in September of 2000. “There is still a long way to go,” said Robert Swift, lead counsel for the Linde plaintiffs, “but it is now abundantly clear that the victims will get their day in court and we very much look forward to presenting the evidence at trial.”