Bishop Desmond Tutu Condemns U.S. Supreme Court's Decision on the Kiobel vs Shell Case

Bishop Desmond Tutu


United Press International (UPI) and Reuters reported that Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bishop Desmond Tutu said a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to back Shell in an Alien Tort case would be an insult to justice.
Kiobel vs. Royal Dutch Petroleum is on the Monday schedule for the new term of the Supreme Court.

Plaintiff Esther Kiobel (L) joins a protest against Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington October 1, 2012. The U.S. Supreme Court, back in session today after its summer recess, is expected to take up a closely watched case that could help it decide whether American judges are empowered to hear lawsuits over human rights atrocities abroad. REUTERS/Gary Cameron (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW CIVIL UNREST)

Shell is accused of working with the Nigerian government to ensure resistance to operations in the oil-rich Niger Delta was protected by military force. In a 71-page brief filed with the Supreme Court, the company argued the Alien Tort Statute doesn't apply in Nigeria because that law doesn't extend to activity conducted on foreign soil.

Members of the Ogoni community outside of the Supreme Court, February 28, 2012. Esther Kiobel, center.

Read the complete report on Tutu calls for justice in Kiobel vs. Shell.

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