Duran v. United States: Justice Right Out of Reach

When it comes to international disputes handled by U.S courts, perhaps nothing gets more complicated than Duran v. United States. The controversy traces back to 1972, when former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos hid $40 million worth of funds in a New York bank account. Today, two parties are seeking to claim these stolen assets: the Philippine Government and 9,539 victims of Marcos’ authoritarian regime, jointly represented by lead plaintiff Jose Duran. The victims endured political imprisonment, torture, military suppression, and other inhumane government measures.