A federal judge in New York has cleared the way for families of Sept. 11, 2001, victims to move forward with their long-running lawsuit against Saudi Arabia, rejecting the kingdom’s latest attempt to have the case dismissed.

U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels issued the ruling on Thursday, rejecting arguments by Saudi Arabia’s attorneys that the kingdom is shielded from liability under the principle of sovereign immunity. The judge found that the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), passed by Congress in 2016, provides an exception that allows foreign states to be sued if they are alleged to have aided or abetted terrorism.

The nonprofit group 9/11 Justice, which represents families of victims, hailed the decision as a breakthrough after more than two decades of legal obstacles. “Nearly a quarter century after we lost our loved ones, Judge Daniels’ ruling gives us the chance to finally pursue accountability, justice, and closure in their memory,” Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice, said in a statement.

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