One Year of the Lundin Trial - Our International Law Expert Comments on Developments and What Lies Ahead

The trial against Ian Lundin and Alexandre Schneiter, charged with complicity in grave breaches of international law in what is now South Sudan, has been ongoing for a year. According to reports, around 12,000 people were killed and approximately 160,000 displaced when the Sudanese military and allied militias attacked villages and settlements to protect Lundin Oil’s operations. 

During the first year, both the prosecution and defense presented their cases. This spring, victims and plaintiffs began testifying. 

Shift in the Courtroom Dynamics 

One of the most notable developments in the trial so far was the court’s decision to deny the plaintiffs the opportunity to have their compensation claims addressed within the criminal trial. This led one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Thomas Bodström, to file a complaint against the presiding judge alleging bias. 

"There were some concerns that plaintiffs might withdraw from the case once it became clear that they would not be able to receive any damages via the criminal case. But for them, this is about justice and redress. The trial is their chance to have their voices heard," says Ebony Wade, lawyer at Civil Rights Defenders. 

"Hearing their testimony, listening to them talk about their lives and how they have been affected by the violence they experienced, has changed the dynamics in the courtroom. They have brought to life the incidents we heard about during the prosecution and defense presentations," adds Ebony Wade, lawyer at Civil Rights Defenders. 

On December 10, Ian Lundin will take the witness stand, followed by Alexandre Schneiter in January 2025. 

Interview Our International Law Expert, Ebony Wade 

Civil Rights Defenders is following the trial in Stockholm District Court and publishes weekly reports on the proceedings. Our lawyer, Ebony Wade, is well-versed in the case and trial. She has previously been interviewed about the Lundin trial by, for example, The Guardian. 

Contact us for interviews: 

Email: press@crd.org 

Phone: +46 (0)76 576 27 62