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Swedish Court to Prosecute War Crimes Charges Against Lundin Energy Executives

Stockholm, Sweden - In a landmark case, the Stockholm District Court has announced that it will proceed with the trial of Ian Lundin, Chairman of Lundin Energy, and Alex Schneiter, former CEO of the company, on charges of war crimes committed in Sudan.

Background

The two executives are accused of complicity in war crimes committed by the Sudanese government during Lundin Energy’s operations in the country between 1997 and 2003. The case is being prosecuted under Sweden’s universal jurisdiction law, which allows for the prosecution of individuals for international crimes regardless of where they were committed.

Company Response

Lundin Energy has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that there are no grounds for the allegations against its representatives. However, the court has rejected multiple appeals by the company to dismiss the indictment.

Trial Schedule

The trial is expected to be one of the longest in Swedish history, with over 100 scheduled court days. The prosecution will present its case from November 2023, followed by Lundin’s defense in February 2024.

Case History

  • November 2021: Charges filed against Ian Lundin and Alex Schneiter
  • July 2021: Lundin’s appeal to terminate the investigation rejected
  • May 2021: Prosecution seeks additional pre-trial hearings with key witnesses and plaintiffs
  • February 2023: Court rejects prosecutor’s request for additional pre-trial hearings
  • January 2023: Trial set to begin on September 5, 2023
  • November 2022: Swedish Supreme Court confirms jurisdiction to hear the case
  • October 2019: Additional evidence delays trial

Resources

Key Dates

  • September 5, 2023: Trial begins
  • November 2023: Prosecution presents its case
  • February 2024: Defense presents its case
  • February and March 2026: Concluding pleas delivered

The trial is expected to be a complex and lengthy process. Human rights organizations will continue to monitor the case to ensure that justice is served for the victims of war crimes committed by Lundin Energy in Sudan.