Chevron is hopefully going to have a day of reckoning in an American courtroom. EarthRights International (ERI) is currently pursuing what could be a landmark human rights' case, Bowoto v. Chevron. The federal court trial is underway in San Francisco, USA.
The plaintiffs (a group of Nigerian villagers protesting the Chevron destruction of their environment), with ERI as co-counsel, are attempting to present evidence that Chevron was complicit in human rights abuses committed against villagers who "...peacefully protested environmental abuses and other harm caused by Chevron's oil production activities. The protest took place at a Chevron drilling platform".
ERI asserts that in 1998 Chevron paid and ferried members of the notorious Nigerian military and ‘kill and go’ mobile police to Chevron's Parabe platform in Chevron-leased helicopters and Chevron personnel supervised the operation. Two protesters were shot and killed in the brutal attack – including one who was shot in the back - and others were injured. ERI also asserts, "several protesters were tortured in a Nigerian jail".
The ERI website explains that the "ERI and their co-counsel are using the tools of the U.S. litigation process, including the Alien Tort Statute, to hold Chevron accountable for serious human rights violations. The court has already ruled that the plaintiffs have presented enough evidence that Chevron abetted and conspired in the abuses to warrant a trial. Moreover, the court has already applied important rules supporting accountability of parent corporations for actions taken nominally by their foreign subsidiaries". ERI also reports that, "The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for the murders and the injuries suffered, as well as ongoing transparency by Chevron about payments to and use of the notorious Nigerian police and military".
Chevron denies the claims. Chevron is active in more than 180 countries worldwide and reported $214.1 billion dollars in sales and other operating revenue in 2007. Chevron released a statement that “…Chevron's lawyers will present evidence that shows the hostage takers [the villiagers] put Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) employees and contractors in danger”.
There is currently a media gag order (enforced on October 30, 2008) on the trial and EarthRIghts International is not able to speak with the press until the trial concludes - estimated to be in early to mid-December, 2008.
For more information visit: www.earthrights.org
Show/Hide comment form
