A French court has upheld a lower court's decision, allowing the prolonged investigation into LafargeHolcim's potential criminal liability to proceed. The ruling is procedural and does not determine guilt but signifies a pivotal step in the company's protracted legal battle regarding charges related to crimes against humanity.
The investigation, stemming from the company's operations in Syria since 2016, is one of the most expansive corporate criminal proceedings in recent French legal history. While the ruling does not set a timeline for concluding the probe, it opens the possibility for prosecutors to decide whether to bring the case to court for a substantive ruling on the alleged charges.
Despite this procedural setback, LafargeHolcim did secure a partial victory, with the court dropping charges related to endangering the lives of its staff. In response to the ruling, the company released a statement characterizing the decision as a 'legacy issue' and affirmed its commitment to addressing the matter through the legal process in France. The statement did not provide additional commentary on the ongoing investigation.
The French firm, which merged with Swiss-listed Holcim in 2015, now faces continued scrutiny over its activities in Syria. The outcome of the investigation holds significant implications not only for LafargeHolcim but also for the broader landscape of corporate accountability in France. As the legal proceedings unfold, the international community will closely watch for further developments in this high-stakes case.