BNP Paribas Slammed with $20M Verdict for Facilitating Sudanese Atrocities through US Financial System

U.S. Jury Issues $20 Million Verdict Against France's Largest Bank Over Sudanese Atrocities A federal jury in New York has delivered a nearly $21 million verdict against BNP Paribas SA, France's largest bank, for providing the Sudanese government with access to the U.S. financial system during its atrocities two decades ago. The plaintiffs, three U.S. citizens who were displaced and lost their homes and property in Sudan, were awarded amounts ranging from $6.7 million to $7.3 million each after a four-hour deliberation by the jury on Friday. The verdict marks a significant step towards accountability for BNP Paribas' alleged role in facilitating human rights abuses. "This is a major victory for our clients and a significant step towards justice," said Adam Levitt, the plaintiffs' lawyer. "They're very gratified that steps are being taken to hold the bank responsible for its abhorrent conduct." BNP Paribas has faced criticism for its involvement in Sudan's financial system during the 1990s, when the country was engaged in a brutal campaign of persecution against civilians. The plaintiffs argued in an August pretrial memo that BNP Paribas knowingly provided the Sudanese government with access to the U.S. financial system, enabling it to carry out atrocities. The verdict has significant implications for the banking industry and human rights advocates worldwide. "This verdict sends a strong message that banks will be held accountable for their actions," said Levitt. "It's a major step towards ensuring that corporations are not above the law." BNP Paribas has faced similar lawsuits in the past, including a $1.7 billion settlement with U.S. authorities in 2014 over sanctions violations related to Sudan and other countries. The case highlights the complex issue of corporate accountability for human rights abuses. As technology advances and global financial systems become increasingly interconnected, companies are facing growing scrutiny over their role in facilitating or enabling human rights abuses. Background BNP Paribas has been accused of providing financial services to the Sudanese government during its atrocities in the 1990s. The bank's involvement was first reported by the New York Times in 2004, and it has since faced numerous lawsuits and regulatory actions over its role in facilitating human rights abuses. Additional Perspectives Human rights advocates have welcomed the verdict as a significant step towards accountability for corporate complicity in human rights abuses. "This verdict is a major victory for victims of human rights abuses and a reminder that corporations will be held accountable for their actions," said John Sifton, executive director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division. Current Status and Next Developments The verdict marks the latest development in a long-running saga over BNP Paribas' involvement in Sudan's financial system. The bank has faced numerous lawsuits and regulatory actions over its role in facilitating human rights abuses, and it is likely to face further scrutiny in the coming years. As technology continues to advance and global financial systems become increasingly interconnected, companies are facing growing pressure to prioritize human rights and accountability. The verdict against BNP Paribas serves as a reminder that corporations will be held accountable for their actions, and that victims of human rights abuses will continue to seek justice. *Reporting by Fortune.*