French multinational cement company Lafarge SA, along with four of its former executives, is set to face trial for financing terrorism in Syria, following an order from investigating judges on October 16. This decision marks a significant milestone in a legal battle that has spanned eight years, initiated by human rights organizations Sherpa and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR).
The charges against Lafarge are serious, stemming from allegations that the company financed various armed groups, including the Daesh/ISIS terror organization, to maintain operations at its cement plant in Syria during the ongoing civil war. Sherpa and ECCHR have emphasized that Lafarge is the first company globally to be charged with complicity in crimes against humanity, underlining the case’s profound implications. They have stated, “Acts of complicity cannot go unpunished” and must be addressed to uphold justice.
The trial will see Lafarge and four former executives, including two who oversaw security at the Syrian facility and Syrian businessman Firas Tlass, face charges of financing a terror enterprise and violating a European embargo. However, charges against Lafarge’s former security director have been dismissed.
Notably, the trial will not permit Syrian employees to seek compensation, as their status as plaintiffs was deemed inadmissible. While the trial focuses on the financing of terrorism, the investigation into Lafarge’s alleged complicity in crimes against humanity is still ongoing. The French Supreme Court has previously acknowledged the gravity of these charges, stating, “the multiplication of acts of complicity enables crimes against humanity.”
Sherpa and ECCHR are committed to supporting the plaintiffs in their pursuit of justice and reparation, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accountability in this landmark case.
