9/11 victims ask for proceeds of 650 Fifth seizure

The families of the victims of the September 11 attacks are asking a New York federal judge to issue writs of execution on the Iranian-owed office tower at 650 Fifth Avenue. The property, which is being seized by the federal government due to evidence of money laundering for the Iranian government, would help satisfy a $6 billion judgment for the estates of 111 victims of the terrorist attack.

After September 11, the victims of the attacks won the judgment against Iran and various affiliated entities, which has yet to be paid, according to Law360.

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“The [plaintiffs] attempted to serve the Iranian defendants with this court’s judgment through conventional and diplomatic means over a period of seven months, as sanctioned by the [Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act],” the families’ motion said. “The Iranian defendants’ refusal to accept service of same, despite Iran’s acknowledgment of the judgment, demonstrates Iran’s unwillingness to satisfy the [judgment].”

Now that 650 Fifth Avenue has been forfeited, it seems likely that the families of those killed will see a piece of the $6 billion judgment. However, no ruling has made. [Law360]Christopher Cameron