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Department of Justice Lawsuit Signals Public Demand for Holding Tobacco Industry Accountable for Deadly Abuses Infact Welcomes Long-Awaited Trial FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACTS: Washington, DC—The Department of Justice's $280 billion claim against the tobacco industry, which goes to trial today after five years of pretrial wrangling, is being hailed as a victory for public pressure. The eight corporations facing litigation, including Philip Morris/Altria, the world's largest tobacco corporation, are being called on to answer charges of collusion and deception that stretch back more than 50 years. Since 1993 Infact has been challenging Philip Morris/Altria to stop promoting tobacco to young people and to stop interfering in public health policy. "The tobacco industry has been lying to the public about the dangers of its products for decades," says Kathryn Mulvey, Executive Director of Infact. "Now, despite moments when it appeared that the Bush Administration was ready to let Big Tobacco off the hook, we are at the beginning of a trial that is an important step forward in holding the tobacco industry accountable for years of deceit and death." The trial begins as global momentum continues to build behind the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the world's first public health and corporate accountability treaty. The global tobacco treaty becomes international law after the 40th country ratifies; 31, including Norway and India, have already done so. While the Department of Justice case will potentially bring the tobacco industry to task in the United States, the FCTC will change the way it does business in countries around the world. Infact spokespeople will be available for comment throughout the trial. ### Infact is a membership organization that protects people by waging and winning campaigns challenging irresponsible and dangerous corporate actions around the world. Through bold campaigns and a commitment to win, for over 25 years Infact has forced corporations—like Nestlé, GE and Philip Morris/Altria—to stop irresponsible and dangerous actions. Infact is an NGO in Official Relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). The Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT) includes 75 NGOs from more than 50 countries working for a strong, enforceable Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. For more information visit www.infact.org or www.iwr2002.org.
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