Former executives of Lafarge, which became a subsidiary of the ‍LafargeHolcim group (now Holcim) after ⁣its absorption by ⁤the Swiss cement​ manufacturer in 2015, are accused of financing terrorism in Syria between 2012 adn 2014. On Tuesday, ⁢December 16, 2023, the public prosecutor requested prison sentences ranging from eighteen months to eight years, along with ample ‍fines, for eight ​individuals facing charges of “financing terrorism” in connection with‍ the ⁤company’s operations during‍ the‍ Syrian Civil ‍War.

The indictment, delivered by representatives of the National Anti-Terrorism⁢ Prosecutor’s Office ⁣(Pnat), alleges that Lafarge ‌Syria paid significant ⁣sums to ⁢armed groups, including those affiliated with‌ ISIS, to maintain operations ⁢at its cement plant in Jalabiya, Syria, during the height of ​the civil war.The plant remained operational throughout much ‌of the ⁤conflict, a fact that has raised serious questions about the⁤ company’s dealings.

Background: Lafarge in Syria and the Jalabiya Cement Plant

Lafarge⁢ established a cement plant in Jalabiya,​ Syria, in ​2007, representing a substantial investment of approximately €680 million (approximately $745 million USD as of⁢ December 16, 2023). ‌ The Guardian reported in 2017 that the company continued to ⁣operate the plant even as‌ the⁢ Syrian​ Civil‌ War ‌escalated, allegedly making payments‌ to various ⁤armed groups to ensure the safety of its employees and the‌ continued production of cement.

These payments, according to the prosecution, were not simply ‌protection money but ‍constituted⁢ a‍ deliberate⁢ strategy to ⁢maintain business operations by ⁢engaging with and financing terrorist ⁢organizations. The Jalabiya plant’s continued operation provided Lafarge‌ with a significant⁣ commercial advantage, allowing it to supply ​cement to the Syrian market ⁤and neighboring countries.

Holcim, which ⁣merged‍ with Lafarge in 2015, has​ acknowledged the wrongdoing and has cooperated with the inquiry. ⁤However,the company maintains that the decisions ⁣were made by former‌ management and⁣ that it has⁤ taken⁤ steps to prevent ⁣similar incidents from ⁢occurring‍ in ‌the future.

The Charges and Prosecutor’s Requests

The eight defendants include Bruno Lafont, the former CEO of Lafarge, and other high-ranking ⁢executives.The charges center around the alleged deliberate ⁢financing of terrorist⁣ groups through the payments made to‌ ensure the continued operation of the Jalabiya cement plant.

The prosecutor requested the following sentences: