In an open letter, over 50 civil society organizations have implored the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure that any assets seized from its important case against Lafarge S.A. and Lafarge Cement Syria S.A. are used to support the victims and survivors of underlying atrocity crimes associated with Syria. The letter voiced grave concerns that funds from the lawsuit may not aid the direct victims of the industrial company’s actions. It emphasized an appeal to Merrick Garland, the US Attorney General, to ensure these resources reach those adversely affected.
Lafarge S.A., a French building materials manufacturer, and its subsidiary Lafarge Cement Syria S.A. admitted guilt to conspiring to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations in 2022. This historical admission resulted from criminal conspiracy charges the FBI and the DOJ brought against the entities for their payment to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and the al-Nusrah Front’s for permission to operate a cement plant in Northern Syria between 2010 and 2014. These actions reportedly earned the company approximately $70.3 million. Payments included expenditures for raw materials, donations to armed groups, and bribes for worker safety and market advantage. The final judgement saw imposition of financial penalties, including criminal fines and forfeiture, totaling $777.78 million by US District Judge William F. Kuntz II.
Deputy Attorney General, Lisa O. Monaco, spoke about the case at the time of judgement and stated: “The terrorism crimes to which Lafarge and its subsidiary have pleaded guilty are a vivid reminder of how corporate crime can intersect with national security… the defendants partnered with ISIS, one of the most brutal terrorist organizations the world has ever known, to enhance profits and increase market share — all while ISIS engaged in a notorious campaign of violence during the Syrian civil war.”
The open letter also sheds light on the challenges faced by victims who have experienced gross violations of international law at the hands of ISIS and Al-Nusra Front. Moreover, it addresses the logistical hurdles, displacement and ongoing conflict that have left these victims without access to remedies within Syria. The sum offered by Lafarge in the plea agreement could provide needed support to the affected communities. The letter stresses the importance of input from these people in determining how the funds should be used and urges the Attorney General to allocate the seized funds to victims and survivors, in accordance with US obligations under international law.