Sierra Leone Mission to UN Must Defend NYC Neighbors’ Suit

The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations isn’t immune from suit for damages to a Manhattan townhouse, allegedly caused by renovations to the mission’s adjacent headquarters, the Second Circuit said Monday.

The “commercial activities exception” applies in this case, defeating the mission’s assertion of immunity from suit under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, the court said, affirming a trial court ruling denying the mission’s motion to dismiss.

The plaintiffs, Janet and Joseph Harvey, allege the renovations left behind flammable debris in the mission’s headquarters, and that the builders failed to extend their chimney above ...