IBM, Daimler and GM challenge US jurisdiction in apartheid case
MULTINATIONAL companies sued by victims of South Africa’s apartheid government have challenged the jurisdiction of the US courts in adjudicating compensation claims filed by the victims, saying brutalities committed by the apartheid government were not committed on US soil.
IBM says apartheid abuses were not committed in the US
The victims are claiming US$ 400 billion from General Motors, Daimler and computer manufaturer IBM, for the companies’ role in propping up the apartheid government at a time when international community had imposed economic sanctions to pressure the white minority government into accepting majority rule.
Daimler, IBM and General Motors have filed an application to have the lawsuit thrown out, with Daimler saying it had acted with the support of the German government of the time, and the other two respondents GM and IBM questioning the jurisdiction of US courts.
President Thabo Mbeki’s government had sought to downplay the case, saying it would repel foreign investment to South Africa, but the new government of President Jacob Zuma has since lifted the lid on the case, allowing the victims to continue with their claims for compensation. IA
Short URL: http://investigativezim.com/?p=1966
Posted by Tawanda Kanhema
on Jan 12 2010. Filed under Featured Stories, NEWS, WORLD.
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