Trial begins over French cement giant Lafarge's alleged financing of terror group ISIS

By Esra Taskin

PARIS (AA) - The trial of French cement giant Lafarge, accused of financing terrorist group ISIS (Daesh) and violating international sanctions through its operations in northern Syria, began Tuesday at the Paris Criminal Court.

The hearings, set to continue through Dec. 16, will see Lafarge tried as a legal entity along with eight individuals.

Those standing trial include four former French executives of Lafarge, two Syrian intermediaries accused of negotiating with armed groups on behalf of the company, and two security officials, one Jordanian and one Norwegian.

According to a joint statement by anti-corruption NGO Sherpa and the Berlin-based European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, which initiated the case after nearly nine years of legal proceedings, the trial represents “a unique opportunity for French justice to examine the responsibility of multinational companies operating in conflict zones.”

The statement also described the trial as “a key moment” for former Lafarge employees affected by the company’s activities in Syria, noting that many Syrian workers are expected to testify about their experiences.

It further underlined that a separate investigation into Lafarge for alleged complicity in crimes against humanity remains ongoing, a first of its kind worldwide.

The eight individuals on trial face up to 10 years in prison and fines of €225,000 (some $259,000) if found guilty of financing terrorism, while Lafarge as a corporate entity risks a fine of up to €1.125 million and additional penalties.

If convicted of violating international financial sanctions, the company could face a fine of up to 10 times the amount involved in the breach, approximately €46 million.

Former Lafarge executives charged with the same offense could face up to five years in prison, financial penalties, and confiscation of assets obtained through the alleged violations.