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LUNDIN OIL EXECUTIVES FACING TRIAL FOR WAR CRIMES IN SUDAN
Stockholm, Sweden - In a historic case, two former executives of Lundin Oil, Ian Lundin and Alexandre Schneiter, are set to face trial for alleged war crimes in Sudan.
The Indictment
The indictment, issued by the prosecutor on November 11, 2021, accuses them of aiding and abetting the Sudanese government’s use of unlawful methods of warfare. The charges are based on Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits targeting civilians, causing harm to civilians, and gravely violating their personal dignity.
The Case
The case is a first-of-its-kind in Sweden and has already faced several legal challenges before it could proceed to trial. In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that Swedish courts have jurisdiction over the case under universal jurisdiction, despite Alexandre Schneiter not being a Swedish citizen or resident.
The Agreements
The indictment alleges that Lundin Oil, with the knowledge of Ian Lundin and Alexandre Schneiter, entered into agreements with the Sudanese government in 1997-2003 to facilitate the company’s activities in Block 5A. The prosecutor claims that these agreements led to the Sudanese military conducting offensive operations against civilians or engaging in indiscriminate attacks.
The Evidence
The case involves extensive evidence, including testimony from civilians who were subjected to attacks, as well as written reports from international organizations and journalists. A total of 34 plaintiffs are represented by lawyers Percy Bratt and Thomas Bodström.
Key Dates
- November 11, 2021: Indictment issued
- September 2023 - May 2024: Presentation of claims, plea, grounds, and statements of facts
- May 2024 - November 2024: Examination of plaintiffs
- December 2024 - January 2025: Examination of defendants
- February 2025 - November 2025: Examination of witnesses
- December 2025 - February 2026: Summations and closing arguments
Hearings Schedule
- Tuesdays from 09:30 AM to 04:30 PM
- Wednesdays from 09:15 AM to 04:30 PM
- Thursdays from 09:15 AM to 04:30 PM