Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor declined to overturn a $656 million verdict against the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in a terror-related civil case. The ruling, issued this week, allows the judgment to stand after years of litigation involving victims of attacks attributed to the PLO, according to fortune.com.
The case originated from lawsuits filed by victims and families affected by terrorist attacks linked to the PLO. The $656 million award was granted by a lower court, and the PLO sought to have it overturned at the Supreme Court level. Justice Sotomayor’s decision to let the verdict stand means the plaintiffs can pursue collection efforts on the judgment, as detailed by fortune.com.
This ruling is significant in the context of ongoing legal battles involving state and non-state actors accused of terrorism. The verdict against the PLO is among the largest civil judgments related to terrorism and highlights the judiciary’s role in adjudicating claims tied to international conflicts. The case draws parallels with other high-profile terrorism-related civil suits, underscoring the complex legal landscape for such claims, per fortune.com.
The decision by Justice Sotomayor was issued on August 4, 2026, marking a key moment in the enforcement of civil judgments against entities accused of sponsoring terrorism. The $656 million verdict remains enforceable, allowing plaintiffs to seek compensation through legal channels, according to fortune.com.