The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Thursday in favor of a U.S. company that had its property confiscated by Fidel Castro's government over 65 years ago. The justices, in an 8-1 vote, revived claims filed by Havana Docks Corporation against four cruise lines—Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and MSC Cruises—for using docks in the Cuban capital that were seized by Castro's government.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in favor of Havana Docks Corporation, reviving a $440 million claim against four cruise lines for using docks confiscated by Fidel Castro's government over 65 years ago.
- Supreme Court rules in favor of Havana Docks Corporation
- Cruise lines used docks seized by Fidel Castro's regime
- Ruling allows litigation to continue, but is not final decision
- Case involves Title III of the Helms-Burton Act
The case centers on a provision of the federal law known as Helms-Burton Act. Title III of this act allows Americans to sue almost any company that engages in commercial activity or benefits from property confiscated by Cuba's government. The court's ruling is not a final decision but allows litigation to continue, with Justice Clarence Thomas writing for the majority.
The cruise lines used the docks from 2016 to 2019 after President Barack Obama eased travel restrictions on Cuba. A U.S. judge in Miami had previously found the cruise lines liable and awarded Havana Docks more than $400 million, but a federal appeals court reversed this judgment. The case now returns to the appeals court.
The ruling comes amid heightened pressure on Cuba from President Donald Trump's administration, including Wednesday's indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro for his role in the 1996 downing of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles. The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon in another case involving Helms-Burton Act litigation.
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