The cost of the defense in Sweden's longest trial is in the billions, reports Ekot. If the judges acquit, the defense will request reimbursement of most of the costs from the state. Lundin Oil is ready to spend additional millions on a possible appeal.
The trial has been going on for over three years, since September 2023, and is the longest main hearing to have been held in Sweden.
In the case, Ian Lundin and Alex Schneiter, former representatives of Lundin Oil, are charged with aiding and abetting serious crimes against humanity in southern Sudan from 1999 to 2003, when the Swedish company was active in the civil war-torn country.
According to the indictment, Lundin and Schneiter knew that the military and pro-regime militia were killing and displacing people to create conditions for Lundin Oil's oil exploration in an area that had long been controlled by rebels.
Lundin and Schneiter have denied the allegations and say the indictment is based on a long series of factual errors.
The prosecutor has requested prison sentences of ten and six years for Lundin and Schneiter, respectively.
