Armenian-Americans file lawsuit in Calif. against Turkey, banks over century-old losses

Armenian-Americans sue Turkey, banks over losses

LOS ANGELES — Armenian-Americans have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against the Turkish government and two major Turkish banks for alleged damages dating back nearly a century.

Attorneys say heirs of Armenians killed and driven out of Turkey in 1915 are entitled to billions of dollars for property seized from their ancestors. They are seeking class-action status for the case filed Thursday.

Attorneys say the case is the first Armenian lawsuit directly naming the Turkish government as a defendant. Also named are the Central Bank of Turkey and T.C., Ziraat Bankasi. E-mails to both banks were not immediately returned.

The lawsuit says the property taken includes businesses, bank deposits and vast amounts of land. Lawyers say some priceless artifacts seized are now on display in Turkish museums.