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Aviel v. Gor

No. 25-5105 Circuit · Decided Decided
Court
D.C. Cir.
cadc
Decided
Sep 2, 2025
Filed
Apr 7, 2025
Filed (CL)
Apr 7, 2025
CL Status
terminated

Case Overview

The government appealed Judge Alikhan's preliminary injunction which requires Sara Aviel be kept at president of the Inter-American Foundation, prevent Peter Marocco from serving on the IAF board, and voids actions taken by Marocco during his time on the board.


The Application

History

Judge Alikhan found that Aviel demonstrated a likelihood of success on her claims regarding the lawfulness of her removal, faced irreparable harm from displacement, and that maintaining her position while voiding Marocco's actions and preventing his board service balanced the equities in favor of the injunction and served the public interest.

The Conclusion

The preliminary injunction was upheld, requiring Sara Aviel remain as president of the Inter-American Foundation, preventing Peter Marocco from serving on the IAF board, and voiding his prior actions.

Outcome History (2)

  1. Jun 5, 2025 Circuit
    Stay denied Relief denied

    Motion for stay pending appeal denied.

  2. Sep 2, 2025 Circuit
    Dismissed Neutral Final

    Case dismissed as moot by the Clerk's Order.

Federal Court TMR-d2a67f2c IAF Dismantling <br> Appeal of 1:25-cv-00778 May 18, 2026

Case Analysis

Issue

Whether the government's removal of Sara Aviel as president of the Inter-American Foundation and Peter Marocco's appointment to the IAF board comply with applicable law, and whether a preliminary injunction maintaining the status quo should be upheld pending resolution of the underlying merits.

Rule

A preliminary injunction may be maintained if the party demonstrates: (1) likelihood of success on the merits; (2) irreparable harm absent the injunction; (3) balance of equities favoring issuance; and (4) that the injunction serves the public interest. The D.C. Circuit applies this four-factor test when reviewing preliminary relief decisions.

Analysis

Judge Alikhan found that Aviel demonstrated a likelihood of success on her claims regarding the lawfulness of her removal, faced irreparable harm from displacement, and that maintaining her position while voiding Marocco's actions and preventing his board service balanced the equities in favor of the injunction and served the public interest.

Conclusion

The preliminary injunction was upheld, requiring Sara Aviel remain as president of the Inter-American Foundation, preventing Peter Marocco from serving on the IAF board, and voiding his prior actions.

Overview

The government appealed Judge Alikhan's preliminary injunction which requires Sara Aviel be kept at president of the Inter-American Foundation, prevent Peter Marocco from serving on the IAF board, and voids actions taken by Marocco during his time on the board.

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