French nuclear company Areva, now known as Orano, is set to face trial over the 2010 abduction of seven workers by jihadists in Niger, sources close to the case told AFP.
The company is accused of negligence and failing to protect its staff from known threats posed by Al-Qaeda militants in northern Niger, where it operated uranium mines.
In September 2010, armed men kidnapped five French nationals, a Togolese, and a Madagascan in the town of Arlit. One of the French hostages, Francoise Larribe, was released five months later along with the Togolese and Madagascan.
The remaining four French nationals were freed in 2013 after Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility.
French magistrates recently ordered Areva to stand trial, but the country’s anti-terror prosecutor has appealed the decision. The company’s lawyer declined to comment, though its legal department previously denied wrongdoing.
Investigations revealed that Areva had arranged for Nigerien troops to guard its mining sites and staff housing.
However, Olivier Morice, lawyer for former hostage Pierre Legrand, said the company ignored repeated warnings about security risks.
“It is unacceptable to note that despite numerous warnings to Areva, nothing was seriously done to protect employees on site,” Morice said.
Ravenewsonline reports that the case continues to draw attention amid broader concerns over corporate responsibility in conflict zones
