Families of Caribbean Airstrike Victims File Historic Lawsuit Against US
In a groundbreaking move, the families of two men killed in a US airstrike on suspected drug boats have filed a lawsuit against the United States, alleging wrongful death and unlawful killing. Chad Joseph, 26, and Rishi Samaroo, 41, were among four men returning to Trinidad from Venezuela when they were struck down by the drone attack on October 14.
The suit, being represented by attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Seton Hall University, and the Center for Constitutional Rights, brings forth a novel claim against the US government. The plaintiffs are seeking justice not only for their loved ones' tragic demise but also to hold accountable the administration's assertions of extrajudicial killing power in international waters.
"This is uncharted water," said Jonathan Hafetz, one of the attorneys representing the families. "Never before has the government asserted this type of power. This is a clear example of unlawful killing by the United States. The US is assuming the prerogative to kill victims in international waters."
The controversy surrounding the US's aerial campaign in the Caribbean has sparked widespread debate among legal experts and human rights organizations. While some have argued that the strikes are lawful, targeting "combatants" in an armed conflict against narco-terrorists, others contend that such claims are unfounded and lack concrete evidence.
According to figures released by advocacy groups, at least 126 people have been killed in the campaign since its inception on September 2. The most recent airstrike occurred just days ago, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. However, details about the target's identity remain scarce, fueling speculation about the true nature of the conflict and the legitimacy of the US government's actions.
Saroo's sister, Sallycar Korasingh, condemned the attack, stating, "If the US government believed Rishi had done anything wrong, it should have arrested, charged, and detained him, not murdered him."
The lawsuit marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle to regulate the use of extrajudicial killing by governments worldwide. As Hafetz so poignantly put it, "This is uncharted water." Only time will tell if this novel approach to holding power accountable will set a precedent for future generations of victims and their families.
In a groundbreaking move, the families of two men killed in a US airstrike on suspected drug boats have filed a lawsuit against the United States, alleging wrongful death and unlawful killing. Chad Joseph, 26, and Rishi Samaroo, 41, were among four men returning to Trinidad from Venezuela when they were struck down by the drone attack on October 14.
The suit, being represented by attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Seton Hall University, and the Center for Constitutional Rights, brings forth a novel claim against the US government. The plaintiffs are seeking justice not only for their loved ones' tragic demise but also to hold accountable the administration's assertions of extrajudicial killing power in international waters.
"This is uncharted water," said Jonathan Hafetz, one of the attorneys representing the families. "Never before has the government asserted this type of power. This is a clear example of unlawful killing by the United States. The US is assuming the prerogative to kill victims in international waters."
The controversy surrounding the US's aerial campaign in the Caribbean has sparked widespread debate among legal experts and human rights organizations. While some have argued that the strikes are lawful, targeting "combatants" in an armed conflict against narco-terrorists, others contend that such claims are unfounded and lack concrete evidence.
According to figures released by advocacy groups, at least 126 people have been killed in the campaign since its inception on September 2. The most recent airstrike occurred just days ago, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. However, details about the target's identity remain scarce, fueling speculation about the true nature of the conflict and the legitimacy of the US government's actions.
Saroo's sister, Sallycar Korasingh, condemned the attack, stating, "If the US government believed Rishi had done anything wrong, it should have arrested, charged, and detained him, not murdered him."
The lawsuit marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle to regulate the use of extrajudicial killing by governments worldwide. As Hafetz so poignantly put it, "This is uncharted water." Only time will tell if this novel approach to holding power accountable will set a precedent for future generations of victims and their families.
Can you believe the US government thinks they can just kill people in international waters without anyone questioning it? 
I mean, what's next? Assassinating people on a plane? 
It's crazy to think that these families are fighting for justice and accountability, and I hope they win. 
Their loved ones deserved so much more than being drone-struck in the middle of nowhere. 
The fact that there's been over 126 deaths already is just heartbreaking. 
We need to make sure our governments are held accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to things like this. 
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The US government's assertion of extrajudicial killing power in international waters is a pretty shady move 
.
- at least 126 people have already lost their lives in these aerial campaigns, and that number is only going up.
. Either way, this lawsuit is a step in the right direction and I hope it brings some much-needed transparency and accountability to these sorts of situations 
that's like, almost 5 people per day 
and no one's held accountable yet? 
btw, what's the estimated cost of these airstrikes so far? was it like $10m or something 
4 men killed in airstrike = 126+ lives lost (according to groups) 
US gov's actions are being questioned by experts & human rights orgs... some say "combatants" vs narco-terrorists, but others claim no concrete evidence 
let me draw a simple diagram of the situation:
this lawsuit is a big deal! it's about holdin' gov'ts accountable for actions in international waters. 
will be interesting to see how this plays out...
Like, no big deal right? Wrong! The fact that these families are fighting back and taking action is exactly what we need more of 
it's like they think they're above the law, which is super concerning 
and the fact that the families are fightin back with a lawsuit is actually kinda inspiring 
does anyone really know what's goin on with these strikes? 
. We need some serious accountability for this stuff, you know? Can't just let governments run wild like that