The defence lawyers for Ian Lundin and Alex Schneiter deny that any war crimes were committed during Lundin’s operations in South Sudan. They have spent considerable time in court attempting to discredit the prosecution’s evidence, which alleges that systematic war crimes occurred in multiple locations over an extended period, and that they served the interest of Lundin Energy. However, beyond their persistent efforts to challenge witness testimonies and other evidence, the defence have so far not presented any substantial counter-evidence.
In today’s episode, we speak with two academics who have testified in court as expert witnesses — the eminent historian Douglas Johnson and Johan Brosché, associate professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Uppsala University. Together, they reflect on the defence’s version of South Sudan’s recent history and assess whether their denial that systematic war crimes have been committed to support the oil industry holds up against established facts. This entertaining episode offers essential background information about the trial and explains its importance.
Participants:
– Douglas H. Johnson, Historian, Fellow of the Rift Valley Institute and Guest Member of St Antony’s College, Oxford
– Johan Brosché, Associate Professor at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University
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 Sara Hadfy Högström. 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.
