Chiquita Brands International found liable for financing Colombian paramilitary group
Chiquita Brands International found liable for financing Colombian paramilitary group, ordered to pay $38.3 million in damages for killings between 1997-2004. Company plans to appeal, claiming it paid under duress to protect banana-growing operations in war-torn Colombia. Jury rejects Chiquita's defense, finds it knowingly provided assistance to the paramilitary group. Historic verdict holds major American corporation accountable for foreign national injuries.