This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, a podcast series produced by PAX and Global Idé about the case against the Swedish company Lundin, accused of complicity in war crimes in South Sudan from 1999 to 2003.
The Lundin War Crimes Trial is a podcast series that follows the landmark criminal trial of two executives from the Swedish oil company Lundin, accused of aiding and abetting war crimes in Sudan between 1999 and 2003. The company also faces allegations of profiting from these crimes, which left a devastating impact on communities in what is now South Sudan.
During Lundin’s operations, 200,000 people were forcibly displaced, and 12,000 lives were lost. This podcast uncovers the human cost of corporate greed and explores a critical question: Can a Swedish court deliver justice for the survivors of this oil-fueled conflict?
Blame and Responsibility – Local Management Speaks Out
In this episode we examine the hearings involving the local management team – the individuals to whom both defendants have directed much of the blame.
Around 20 former Lundin employees were called to testify in the trial. Four were Nuer and locally employed, 15 were international experts, and three were based in Geneva but frequently travelled to Sudan. All were heard during the autumn and winter. Among those called was also Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister of Sweden, who served on Lundin’s board at the time.
We cannot cover all of their testimonies in this episode, but we focus on a few key figures: Richard Ramsay, a security consultant for Lundin Oil; Ken Barker, the company’s top manager in Sudan; Ashley Heppenstall, who later became CEO; and Christine Batruch, who was responsible for corporate social responsibility.
Who are they and what are their roles in this trial?
Participants:
– Ebony Wade, Legal Adviser at Civil Rights Defenders.
– Martin Schibbye, Journalist and Editor in Chief at Blankspot.
Host:
– Halima Athumani
Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.
The podcast is also available on Spotify en Apple Podcasts.