Cisco’s China Deal Faces Supreme Court Review

A lawsuit alleges that Cisco Systems helped the Chinese government target Falun Gong followers.
The case rests on two U.S. statutes:

• Alien Tort Statute (18th‑century) – allows foreign nationals to sue for violations of international law.
• Torture Victim Protection Act (1991) – permits civil claims against those who facilitate torture.

The Supreme Court’s Dilemma

• Conservative Justices: Debate the extent to which foreign‑government claims can be pursued in U.S. courts and worry about a flood of similar suits.
• A Key Question: One justice questioned whether the courthouse gate is “not closely guarded,” hinting at jurisdictional limits.

Both Democratic and Republican administrations have historically been cautious about using U.S. courts to address overseas abuses. Falun Gong activists argue that Cisco’s work related to China was largely conducted in the United States, providing a valid venue.

Evidence Against Cisco

• Surveillance Role: 2008 leaked documents revealed Cisco marketed technology to China’s “Golden Shield” censorship program, claiming it could identify most Falun Gong content online.
• Alleged Collaboration: Reports suggest Cisco portrayed the group as a threat and helped develop systems to track its members.

The 2011 Lawsuit

• Plaintiff’s Claim: Cisco knowingly supplied tools aiding the detention and torture of Falun Gong believers.
• Supreme Court Response: Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed openness to allowing the case to proceed, citing Cisco’s cooperation with Chinese authorities.
• Cisco’s Position: Lawyers deny any wrongdoing.

What’s Next

The Court is expected to issue its ruling in late June, deciding whether the lawsuit can move forward or be dismissed.