Landmark Decision in Lafarge Case
Today, cement company Lafarge was indicted by investigative judges on charges of complicity in crimes against humanity, financing of a terrorist enterprise, and endangerment of people's lives. The indictment of the company itself comes after eight Lafarge former executives are already under formal investigation. This landmark decision must press Lafarge to face its responsibilities and open an independent compensation fund so that all former employees receive appropriate remedies.This is a worldwide premiere for a parent company to be indicted for complicity in crimes against humanity, marking a decisive step forward in the fight against the impunity of multinationals operating in armed conflict zones. It is also the first time that a multinational parent company in France is indicted for the activities of one of its subsidiaries abroad...The charge of complicity in crimes against humanity is of fundamental importance as it frames this case in the context of multinational companies' involvement in armed conflicts...In light of this historical indictment, the progress made in the judicial inquiry and the prospect of a judgment, our organizations demand that Lafarge open a compensation fund for all former employees and families of Lafarge Cement Syria (LCS, Lafarge's subsidiary in Syria).