Victims of Blackwater shootings file lawsuit against company, founder

[marmar]

from the Detroit Free Press:



Victims of Blackwater shootings file lawsuit against company, founder
Blackwater vows to 'defend itself vigorously'
October 11, 2007

By NIRAJ WARIKOO

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

UPDATED AT 1:38 P.M.

A lawsuit was filed today against the private military contractor Blackwater for its alleged role in a Sept. 16 shooting in Baghdad that ended in several Iraqi deaths.

A team of attorneys, including Shereef Akeel of Birmingham, filed the suit in Washington D.C., claiming that the company promoted a culture of violence that led to the deaths.

“Blackwater was engaged in excessive force,” Akeel said. “Basically, shoot first, ask questions later.”

The suit was filed on behalf of an injured survivor, Talib Deewan, and three families of men who died in the shooting.

“They are seeking American justice to hold Blackwater accountable for the murders they committed,” Akeel said.

Anne Tyrrell, director of public affairs for Blackwater, said in an e-mail: “Because it is a matter currently under investigation by the FBI, we will refrain from commenting on the specifics of the case other than to say that the company will defend itself vigorously.”

The suit was brought by Akeel, with Akeel and Valentine, the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York City and attorney Susan Burke, with Burke O’Neil in Philadelphia, according to a news release from the center. .....(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071011/NEWS06/71011041

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I think the action will survive.

Noncitizens file personal injury/wrongful death actions against American businesses all the time. I don't think Bremer's Order 77 protects Blackwater from civil litigation.