Episode 23: 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.
