http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43221200/ns/world_news-americas/ MIAMI — Each name is next to a number, in black type on a thick legal document. They are the mothers and fathers, spouses, sisters and brothers of thousands of Colombians who were killed or vanished during a bloody civil conflict between leftist guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary groups whose victims have largely been civilians. The list has at least 4,000 names, each one targeting Chiquita Brands International in U.S. lawsuits, claiming the produce giant's payments and other assistance to the paramilitary groups amounted to supporting terrorists. Cincinnati-based Chiquita in 2007 pleaded guilty to similar criminal charges brought by the Justice Department and paid a $25 million fine. Story: Chiquita pleads guilty in terrorism probe But if the lawsuits succeed, plaintiffs' lawyers estimate the damages against Chiquita could reach into the billions. The cases filed around the country are being consolidated before a South Florida federal judge who must decide whether to dismiss them or let them proceed. "A company that pays a terrorist organization that kills thousands of people should get the capital punishment of civil liability and be put out of business by punitive damages," said attorney Terry Collingsworth, who filed one of the first lawsuits on behalf of Colombians. It wasn't just money that Chiquita provided the AUC, according to court documents. In 2001, Chiquita was identified in invoices and other documents as the recipient of a shipment from Nicaragua of 3,000 AK-47 assault rifles and 5 million rounds of ammunition. The shipment was actually intended for the AUC. The guns and ammo were unloaded by Chiquita employees, stored at Chiquita warehouses, and then delivered by trucks to the AUC, court papers said. They also claim there were at least four similar shipments, prompting AUC leader Castano to boast about the deals in a Colombian newspaper.
sounds like capitalism to me, what are you a communist? if i want to give some third world murderer a gun and tell him to kill everyone who threatens my fruit company, thats my prerogative. i mean what good is a puppet government if it doesnt make it easier for rich americans to make more money?
I don't mind a few brown people gettin' capped in order for the HCP to get a fresh banana now and then. Same thing with my fresh pair of NIKEs.
Well, it's not like the banana company just happened to be passing through the airport. There is a reason why the term 'banana republic' exists. barfo
yeah i see nothing wrong with corporations funding a self serving side of a civil war, seems about right
Are there ever two "good guys" in civil wars? I don't think it's common. And yet I don't recall seeing law suits being drawn up like this one. Maybe I missed them, though. Ed O.
Huh? WTF does that have to do with my post? Either my phone is fucking up or you are drinking early today
