Brief
US court clears discovery phase in MTN anti‑terrorism lawsuits
The Eastern District of New York ruled that discovery can proceed in two US anti‑terrorism lawsuits against MTN Group.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On 29 September 2026, the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York denied MTN Group’s request to reconsider earlier rulings that allow anti‑terrorism Act claims to move forward, clearing the way for discovery in the Zobay v MTN Group Limited and Long v MTN Group Limited cases, the company said in a statement.
The two lawsuits, part of four ATA actions the telecom firm is defending, allege that MTN’s business activities in Iran and Afghanistan benefited groups responsible for attacks on US personnel. MTN stressed that the court’s decision is procedural and does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.
Discovery will enable both sides to exchange documents and testimony, including potential access to MTN’s internal records. The company said this is its first opportunity to produce evidence to disprove the plaintiffs’ allegations.
Key facts
- The US District Court for the Eastern District of New York denied MTN's request to reconsider rulings on ATA claims. (techcentral.co.za)
- Discovery will now proceed in Zobay v MTN Group Limited and Long v MTN Group Limited. (techcentral.co.za)
- The lawsuits allege MTN's dealings in Iran and Afghanistan benefited groups that attacked US personnel. (techcentral.co.za)
- MTN said the rulings are procedural and do not imply liability. (techcentral.co.za)
Sources
- [1] techcentral.co.za — originally reported as “MTN loses bid to halt US Anti-Terrorism Act claims”
