State Department quashed court claim against Exxon
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The United States has intervened to quash a lawsuit filed against Exxon alleging that the energy company abetted abuses in Indonesia.
The State Department told a court that the action against Exxon, which sometimes uses the Esso name, could have a "potentially serious adverse impact on significant interests of the United States, directly related to the ongoing struggle against international terrorism".
The suit was filed last year by the International Labour Rights Fund on behalf of 11 villagers from Aceh, a province that is a stronghold for Islamic extremists seeking secession from Indonesia. It was filed under a law that allows foreigners to sue American companies in US courts.
Exxon is accused in the suit of having paid Indonesian security forces to protect its interests there while turning a blind eye to abuses they committed on villagers, including torture and rape. The company has denied the charges.
Washington has appealed to Indonesia to help fight terrorism and is worried that a suit could hurt its economy by discouraging foreign investment.
The Lawyers' Committee for Human Rights in Washington said that the war on terrorism "is now going to be used as a cover for all kinds of corporate malfeasance".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments