Washington: The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Cisco Systems’ appeal seeking to limit the scope of a centuries-old law used to hold companies liable for human rights abuses committed abroad. The case, backed by President Donald Trump’s administration, centres on whether Cisco can be sued under the Alien Tort Statute for allegedly helping China’s government surveil and persecute members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement.
Cisco is challenging a 2023 ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that revived a lawsuit first filed in 2011. The plaintiffs allege the company knowingly designed and supplied technology used in China’s “Golden Shield” surveillance system, which they say enabled torture, arbitrary detention and other abuses. The claims rely on the Alien Tort Statute and the Torture Victim Protection Act, using an “aiding and abetting” theory of liability.
Cisco has denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit unfounded and saying its sales complied with U.S. trade policy. The Supreme Court will now examine whether aiding and abetting claims can be brought against U.S. companies under these laws. Arguments are expected to be heard and a ruling delivered by the end of June.
