POWs v. Iraq

The legal team led by Steptoe & Johnson LLP partner Steve Fennell scored a major victory for 17 former American POWs who endured unimaginable torture during the 1991 Gulf War.  The federal district court for the District of Columbia awarded $959 million in damages from Saddam Hussein, the Republic of Iraq, and the Iraqi Intelligence Service based on their involvement in, and perpetration of, the torture.

Steptoe's pursuit of justice for the ex-POWs culminated with Judge Richard W. Roberts' July 7 decision in their favor.  Roberts' ruling was based on a 1996 amendment to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act permitting victims of torture to seek compensation for atrocities suffered at the hands of nations deemed to be terrorist states by the State Department.

The judgment included awards to the POW plaintiffs for injuries received in captivity and for the physical and psychological consequences they have experienced since their release.  Spouses and family members named as plaintiffs were also included in the award.