A New York appeals court has ruled that a constructioncompany started by Osama bin Laden’s father cannot be held liable for the Sept. 11 attacks.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also said Tuesday that five relatives of the al Qaeda founder cannot be held liable.

But the court reinstated claims brought against 12 defendants accused of using charities to support al-Qaida. It said evidence may be found to show they provided material support to al-Qaida.

The rulings stem from lawsuits Sept. 11 victims brought against several hundred defendants.

The Saudi Binladen Group is one of the largest engineering and construction companies in the Arab world. It’s the successor to a construction company founded by bin Laden’s father.

(AP)