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Lafarge's Syrian unit found guilty of financing terrorism in landmark French ruling
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Conflict & Security

Lafarge's Syrian unit found guilty of financing terrorism in landmark French ruling

From Asharq Al-Awsat · (2d ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Lafarge's Syrian subsidiary has been found guilty in a Paris court of financing terrorism and breaching sanctions to operate a plant during the Syrian civil war.
  • The company paid millions of euros to extremist groups, including ISIS and the al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, between 2013 and 2014.
  • This landmark ruling marks the first time a company has been convicted in France for financing terrorism, with former executives receiving prison sentences.

In a historic decision, a Paris court has convicted Lafarge's Syrian subsidiary of financing terrorism and violating European sanctions, marking a significant moment in the fight against corporate impunity. The cement giant's operations in Syria were found to have included payments totaling 5.59 million euros to extremist organizations like ISIS and the Nusra Front between 2013 and September 2014, all in a bid to keep its plant running amidst the country's brutal civil war.

It is clear to the court that the sole purpose of the funding of a terrorist organization was to keep the Syrian plant running for economic reasons. Payments to terrorist entities enabled Lafarge to continue its operations.

— Isabelle Prevost-DesprezThe presiding judge explained the court's reasoning, emphasizing that Lafarge's payments to extremist groups were driven by economic motives to maintain its Syrian plant operations.

The court's judgment, delivered by Presiding Judge Isabelle Prevost-Desprez, unequivocally stated that these payments constituted a 'commercial partnership' with ISIS, aimed solely at maintaining business operations. This ruling is particularly damning as it directly links the company's pursuit of profit to the strengthening of terrorist groups responsible for deadly attacks within Syria and beyond. The Jalabiya plant, acquired in 2008, became a focal point for these illicit dealings, with substantial sums allocated to ensure safe passage and acquire materials from ISIS-controlled territories.

These payments took the form of a genuine commercial partnership with the ISIS.

— Isabelle Prevost-DesprezThe judge characterized the financial dealings between Lafarge and ISIS as a form of commercial partnership.

This landmark verdict has sent shockwaves through the corporate world, with organizations like Sherpa and ECCHR hailing it as a crucial step forward. Eight former Lafarge employees, including ex-CEO Bruno Lafont, have been found guilty and handed prison sentences ranging from one to seven years, though appeals are expected. Lafarge SA, now part of Holcim, acknowledged the court's findings, describing the conduct as a 'legacy matter' that occurred over a decade ago and was in 'flagrant violation' of its code of conduct. The company stated it is reviewing the court's reasoning, signaling a complex and potentially lengthy process ahead.

Lafarge SA acknowledges the court's finding, which concerns a legacy matter involving conduct that occurred more than a decade ago and was in flagrant violation of Lafarge's Code of Conduct. The decision is an important milestone in Lafarge SA’s actions to address this legacy matter responsibly and the company is reviewing the court’s reasoning.

— Lafarge SA statementLafarge SA responded to the verdict, acknowledging the historical nature of the conduct and its violation of company policy, while stating its review of the court's decision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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