The plaintiffs, represented by veteran Alien Tort Claims lawyer Terry Collingsworth of Conrad & Scherer, alleged in four lawsuits that two Coca-Cola bottlers, Panamco and Bebidas, collaborated with paramilitary forces in what the 11th Circuit called "the systematic intimidation, kidnapping, detention, torture, and murder of Colombian trade unionists." The complaints didn't accuse Coke or its bottlers of direct responsibility for the crimes, but sought compensation under the Alien Tort Statute and the Torture Victims Protection Act for the corporations' alleged aiding and abetting of the paramilitary forces. "These were heinous accusations," said Faith Gay of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges, who has represented Coca-Cola since the suits were first filed in 2001. (Quinn partner Kathleen Sullivan worked with her at the appellate stage). "Coca-Cola was four levels removed from what was happening. We knew nothing about these events until we were sued. … It was defamation through legal pleadings."