Opening statements begin today in San Francisco, in what is sure to be a historic and internationally significant trial. Chevron is based in San Ramon, which is why this case, based on a protest/hostage situation that occurred in the Niger Delta, is being heard in the San Francisco high court. Judge Susan Illston, will preside, she heard the famous BALCO steroid case. Lawyers representing the 19 protester plaintiffs were compiled from several firms including the non-profit Earth Rights International, the Centre for Constitutional Rights, as well as several private firms. Chevron is accused of colluding with a notoriously violent military force to quell the protest. The case represents a 21st century application of one of the nation's oldest laws, the Alien Tort Claims Act.Passed by the first Congress in 1789, the law lets foreigners file damage claims in U.S. courts for international human rights violations anywhere in the world. Originally focused on sea piracy, the law took on new life with rulings in the 1980s that allowed survivors of foreign torture to sue military leaders who entered the United States.
To learn more about the case's particulars listen to this. Or take a look at these articles
This is yesterday's clip from San Francisco based channel 5 eyewitness news. I completely forgot about Dana King. So fierce. I can't find any footage of the opening statements, so if anyone finds it please let me know.
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