Report: Criminal Charges Recommended Against Boeing

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The Facts

  • US prosecutors have recommended that the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) bring criminal charges against plane manufacturer Boeing, according to a Reuters report published Sunday.

  • On Friday, the New York Times reported that Boeing is expected to avoid criminal prosecution for violating a 2021 settlement with the DOJ concerning fatal plane crashes in 2018 and 2019.


The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

While prosecutors may recommend charges, Boeing didn't violate the 2021 agreement. Moreover, it has signed contracts with the US Department of Defense, and any conviction could jeopardize those deals. It's much more likely that the DOJ will give Boeing another deal with stricter terms.

Establishment-critical narrative

It looks like Boeing will finally face criminal prosecution for the two plane crashes that killed 346 people. After the DOJ found in May that Boeing had violated the terms of the 2021 settlement, not only are the original charges on the table again, but the DOJ may also introduce new ones. Boeing has gotten away with this for too long, and it's time the company is held guilty of its crimes.


Metaculus Prediction


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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