The plaintiffs, victims of terrorist attacks sponsored by Iran, sought to enforce U.S. judgments against Iran in Ontario under the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act (JVTA).
Iran brought motions to set aside or stay the default judgments and a Mareva injunction, arguing state and diplomatic immunity, limitation periods, and public policy.
The court dismissed Iran's motions, finding that the State Immunity Act and JVTA removed Iran's jurisdictional and enforcement immunity, the actions were not statute-barred, and the U.S. judgments met the criteria for recognition in Canada.
The court also granted summary judgment to the Bennett plaintiffs to enforce their U.S. judgment against Iran's non-diplomatic property in Ontario.
