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Judge Fines Iran $2.65B for '83 Blast in Beirut

Families of 241 slain servicemen awarded record amount

By Zach Samalin,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 7, 2007 5:20 PM CDT

(Newser) – A federal judge ruled today that Iran must pay $2.65 billion to the families of the 241 Americans killed in the 1983 suicide bombing of a Marine barracks in Beirut. Iran allegedly supported Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which claimed responsibility for the attack. The judge called the judgment the largest ever against a foreign nation, the AP reports.

Represented for 6 years by an empty table, Iran has denied involvement in the attack and ignored the lawsuit. Nearly 1,000 family members will attempt to collect their money from Iranian assets worldwide. "When we win the war is when we collect, when we make them pay for what they did," said one ex-Marine who was present during the bombing.

Family members of those killed in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, stand outside the U.S. District Court House in Washington, Friday, September 7, 2007, after a federal judge ruled that Iran must pay $2.65 billion in damages to family members.  (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Family members of those killed in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, stand outside the U.S. District Court House in Washington, Friday, September 7, 2007, after a federal judge ruled that Iran...   (Associated Press)
Shirley Morry, who lost her brother Ulysses Parker in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, wipes away tears as she stands with other family members outside U.S. District Court House in Washington,  Friday, September 7, 2007, after a federal judge ruled against Iran in the bombing.  (AP Photo/Evan...
Shirley Morry, who lost her brother Ulysses Parker in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, wipes away tears as she stands with other family members outside U.S. District Court House in Washington,...   (Associated Press)
Shirley Morry, who lost her brother Ulysses Parker in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, right, stands with Roxanne Garcia-Bates, who lost her brother Randy Garcia, and other family members outside the U.S. District Court House in Washington, Friday, September 7, 2007, after a federal judgment against Iran...
Shirley Morry, who lost her brother Ulysses Parker in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, right, stands with Roxanne Garcia-Bates, who lost her brother Randy Garcia, and other family members outside...   (Associated Press)
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