A French court on Monday sentenced the former CEO of the cement group Lafarge to six years in prison for providing funds to the Islamic State (IS) and other jihadist groups in Syria.
The court also imposed a fine of over $1.3 million on the multinational corporation.
Prosecutors argued that the company paid protection money to various militant factions to ensure its business operations could continue in the war-torn region.
Criminal liability for corporate payments
The ruling follows a legal battle regarding the company's financial dealings with armed groups during the height of the Syrian conflict. The court found that the payments were made to maintain the group's industrial presence in the area.
According to the court proceedings, these payments directly supported the activities of the Islamic State and other insurgent groups operating in Syria.
Lafarge officials previously maintained that the payments were necessary for the safety of their employees and the preservation of their assets. However, the court's decision focuses on the criminal implications of financing terrorism through these transactions.
This verdict marks a significant moment in the prosecution of corporate leaders for actions taken in conflict zones. The case highlights the legal boundaries regarding corporate-led negotiations with sanctioned terrorist organizations.
