Khaberni - The trial of the French cement company Lafarge began in Paris, accused of "financing a terrorist organization" due to its activities in Syria.
The first session started at the Criminal Court in Paris at 14:00 local time, in the case where the company, along with 8 individuals, is being tried for "financing a terrorist organization" and "violating international sanctions resolutions".
The trial sessions are expected to continue until December 16 next.
In the case, four former French directors of the company, two Syrian intermediaries alleged to have communicated on behalf of Lafarge with "terrorist organizations", and two security officials, one Jordanian and the other Norwegian, are being tried.
In a joint statement by the French anti-corruption organization "Sherpa" and the Berlin-based European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, the case was described as "a unique opportunity for the French judiciary to hold multinational companies accountable for their responsibilities while operating in conflict zones".
The statement also added that the case represents "a crucial stage for the voices of former Syrian workers who were harmed by Lafarge's practices" to be heard, mentioning that a number of former Syrian employees will participate in the sessions to narrate their experiences.
The statement confirmed that the investigation into the charge of "complicity in crimes against humanity" against the company is still ongoing, describing it as a global precedent.
The eight accused face a risk of 10 years in prison and a fine of about approximately 258,000 US dollars if convicted of financing terrorism, while Lafarge as a legal entity might be fined up to 1.291 million US dollars in addition to other penalties.
If convicted of failing to comply with international financial sanctions, a fine of up to about 52 million US dollars could be imposed on it.
The former directors could face a prison sentence of 5 years, in addition to the confiscation of their assets acquired as a result of the same violations.
Anadolu Agency reported on September 7, 2021, documents proving that Lafarge financed the Islamic State organization in Syria with the knowledge of French intelligence, which created a global uproar.
The documents revealed that the company continuously informed the French intelligence services of its communications with the organization, while the French authorities neither issued any warnings to it nor stopped it from financing the organization.
The organization used the cement it obtained from the company in building tunnels and hideouts.
It is worth mentioning that the investigation against Lafarge was opened in June 2017, and included its then chairman Bruno Lafon and a number of senior managers, on charges of "financing terrorism", and it was also accused of "complicity in crimes against humanity" in 2018 before being dropped in 2019.
