The two groups were found guilty because they were proven to be behind the attacks. The attacks took place between 2002 and 2004. The trial took place in the United States because some of those who were killed or injured were Americans.
There were dozens of plaintiffs in this case, and they have been awarded $218.5 million. Under special laws dealing with terrorism, the amount rewarded can be tripled, which is $65.5 million.
This case is looked at as a victory because it reveals that these so-called moderate Palestinian groups do support terrorism.
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Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/24/nyregion/damages-awarded-in-terror-case-against-palestinian-groups.html
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Graphics: Mine
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Keywords: liable, trial, Manhattan, Palestinian Authority, PA, Palestine Liberation Organization, PLO, terrorist attacks, Israel