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SETBACK IN THE VATICAN BANK LAWSUIT
US DISTRICT COURT DISMISSES THE SUIT
JRI & ATTORNEYS IN SUIT WILL PURSUE APPEALS

10 JANUARY 2003

Statement of the Jasenovac Research Institute

The Jasenovac Research Institute, an original plaintiff in the case, condemns the decision of the court to dismiss the case and calls for an appeal.

Justice for the victims of Jasenovac and the Holocaust in Yugoslavia has not been served by this callous and ill conceived verdict. For any court to evade a decision regarding the Holocaust is a reprehensible abdication of moral and judicial responsibility. The court can evade its momentary responsibilities to justice, but it cannot evade the lasting judgment of history: this action amounts to nothing less than total moral and political bankruptcy.

We will not rest until the enormity of the crimes is recognized and acted upon by the courts and financial restitution is granted to the Survivors and the families of the victims.

Below follows the press release of the attorneys representing the JRI and more than a dozen other plaintiffs in this case announcing the court's decision to the plaintiffs.

Press Release of the Law Offices of Tom Easton & Jonathan Levy
Contact: Jonathan Levy, Tel. 202-318-2406
http://www.vaticanbankclaims.com/news.html
January 9, 2003

Court Dismisses Vatican Bank Lawsuit: Case to be Appealed, Lawsuit against Croatian Liberation Movement also Dismissed Subject to Reconsideration by Court

Alperin vs. Vatican Bank, a class action lawsuit seeking World War II era restitution from the Vatican Bank, Franciscan Order, and Croatian Liberation Movement was dismissed on January 3, 2003 by order of the Honorable Maxine Chesney of the United States District Court of the Northern District of California. Judge Chesney's decision was not a surprise to plaintiffs' attorneys, Jon Levy and Tom Easton. Judge Chesney ruled the case was a political question better suited for the State department to resolve than the court system. Plaintiffs will appeal citing there is no evidence that the State Department actually is pursuing this matter with the Vatican.

Judge Chesney also refused to grant a default order against the Croatian Liberation Movement for the same reason, political question. However, the judge has granted plaintiffs the opportunity to demonstrate to the court why a judgment against the Croatians is appropriate.