US appeals court tosses out $654 million verdict against PLO

A US appeals court tosses out a $654 million jury verdict against the PLO for terrorist attacks in Israel in the early 2000s that killed or wounded Americans, saying US courts lack jurisdiction because the attacks were random and not aimed at the United States.

The written decision by the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan says the attacks in 2002 and 2004 that killed 33 people and wounded hundreds more were “unquestionably horrific,” but “not expressly aimed at the United States.”

The decision says offices maintained by the PLO and Palestinian Authority in Washington were used to promote the Palestinian cause in speeches and media appearances and to retain a lobbying firm, purposes that are insufficient to give US courts jurisdiction over the groups for random attacks abroad.

Robert Tolchin, an attorney for families of Americans killed or injured in the attacks calls the ruling “very surprising,” and says it provides “a free pass for terrorists” to kill Americans overseas. Appeals options are being considered, he says.

— AP