BNP Paribas Found Liable for Supporting Atrocities in Sudan

A New York jury has found that French banking giant BNP Paribas’s work in Sudan helped to prop up the regime of former ruler Omar al-Bashir, making it liable for atrocities that took place under his rule.

The Jury’s Decision and Damages

The eight-member jury on Friday sided with three plaintiffs originally from Sudan, awarding a total of $20.75m in damages. The decision followed testimony detailing horrific acts committed by sudanese soldiers and the Popular Defense Forces, the government-linked militia known as the Janjaweed.

Plaintiffs’ Testimony: Accounts of Suffering

The plaintiffs – two men and one woman, all now American citizens – shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. They testified to enduring torture,including being burned with cigarettes,slashed with knives,and,in one case,subjected to sexual assault.

“I have no relatives left,” entesar Osman kasher told the court.

The trial centered on whether BNP Paribas’s financial services directly contributed to the atrocities by enabling the Sudanese regime.

The Core of the case: BNP Paribas‘ Role

The lawsuit alleged that BNP Paribas knowingly provided financial services to Sudan between 2002 and 2009, despite internal warnings about the risks of supporting a government accused of genocide and other human rights abuses.The plaintiffs argued that these financial services were a “natural and adequate” cause of their suffering.

BNP Paribas’ Defence

BNP Paribas argued that it was not directly responsible for the actions of the Sudanese government and that it had taken steps to comply with US sanctions. However, the jury found the bank liable, demonstrating a clear link between its actions and the harm suffered by the plaintiffs.

Key Takeaways

• BNP Paribas was found liable for supporting the regime of Omar al-Bashir in Sudan.
• The jury awarded $20.75 million in damages to three plaintiffs.
• Plaintiffs testified to experiencing severe torture and trauma.
• The case highlights the potential for financial institutions to be held accountable for supporting abusive regimes.

Looking Ahead

This landmark ruling sets a notable precedent for holding financial institutions accountable for their role in enabling human rights abuses. It underscores the importance of due diligence and responsible banking practices, particularly when operating in countries with questionable human rights records. The outcome may encourage further legal action against companies that profit from supporting oppressive governments and could lead to increased scrutiny of financial transactions involving conflict zones.