213.482.1780
piila@piila.com

International Human Rights

In recent years, PII has worked on some of the most groundbreaking litigation in the field of human rights.  PII was the lead investigator for attorneys representing Iraqis tortured at the Abu Ghraib prison. PII investigated allegations against Blackwater for the shootings of civilians in Iraq.

PII has assisted U.S. attorneys in Alien Torts Statute (ATS) litigation alleging human rights abuses in Bolivia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Honduras.

Human rights litigation presents investigators with rigorous challenges, often involving dangerous, emotional, and tragic circumstances.   Investigators find themselves working across international borders, languages, and cultures in order to collect evidence that attorneys can use in a courtroom.  Experienced at working with interpreters and adapting to fluid situations, PII is available to assist with human rights cases wherever such abuses may occur.

Case in Point

PII served as the principal investigator for attorneys in litigation filed on behalf of Iraqis tortured at the Abu Ghraib prison.  Saleh v. CACI, et al. was filed against two American defense contractors who helped operate the prison, CACI, who provided interrogators, and Titan, who provided the translators. The legal team included attorneys from the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR).  This historic litigation resulted in financial settlements for some of those injured at the prison. Read more here.

Case in Point

In September 2007, Blackwater guards in a tactical support team called “Raven 23” killed 17 Iraqis and injured another 20 in a shooting at Nisour Square in Baghdad. PII assisted plaintiff’s attorneys representing the victims in litigation seeking damages for the shootings, traveling to the Middle East to interview witnesses and survivors of the shootings.  Four Blackwater contractors were eventually sentenced to lengthy prison terms for these killings.