Judge Sprizzo left open the possibility that smaller suits could be filed.
Abstracts from article:
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US District Judge John Sprizzo was highly sceptical of arguments by the plaintiffs, who claim complicity by international corporations made it easier for murder, torture and other abuses to occur. “How does it follow that anyone who does business with apartheid is also in violation of international law?” he asked. “This case requires an awful lot of leaps.”
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He indicated the claims brought by thousands of black South Africans were too broad, but left open the possibility that smaller suits could be filed alleging specific criminal acts rather than a broad pattern.
- Sprizzo said he would issue a written opinion in the matter later. But he suggested during an hours-long hearing in Manhattan federal court that he might dismiss the suits.