Ontario top court rules Guatemalan charges of rape, murder against Canadian mining company to be heard in Canadian court

In a case that could have wide-ranging implications, the top court in Ontario ruled Monday that a Canadian mining company can potentially be held legally responsible for atrocities committed at one of its foreign subsidiaries.

The ruling means the claims of 13 Guatemalans alleging rape and murder will now be heard in Canadian courts.

"Canadian mining corporations can no longer hide behind their legal corporate structure to abdicate responsibility for human rights abuses that take place at foreign mines under their control at various locations throughout the world," said Toronto law firm Klippensteins, which is representing the Guatemalan villagers.  (more...)

Ontario top court rules Guatemalan charges of rape, murder against Canadian mining company to be heard in Canadian court