BA to pay pounds 3m to human shields
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.British Airways yesterday lost its appeal against having to pay compensation to French passengers who were held as "human shields" in Kuwait in the opening weeks of the Gulf War.
Upholding the year-old judgment of a lower court, a Paris judge ruled that half the compensation should be paid at once, and stipulated that BA could not launch a further appeal until that payment had been made.
The 61 passengers have been awarded between 400,000 and 600,000 francs (pounds 48,000-pounds 72,000) each, according to the time they spent in captivity - a total bill for BA of more than pounds 3m. The Paris Appeals Court confirmed the compensation for all but 5 of the 61 hostages, for whom it made minor adjustments.
A spokeswoman for British Airways in Paris later said said the company was "disappointed" at losing and "surprised" at the condition set for a further appeal. "BA has always said the idea it would deliberately endanger the safety of passengers or employees was preposterous," she said, "and we will vigorously defend ourselves."
The original case was brought by 61 French citizens The hostages have also been paid around 30,000 francs (pounds 4,000) each out of a French fund for terrorist victims.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments