VANCOUVER – A Vancouver-based company has yet to comment on a civil lawsuit filed by three men who allege forced labour at an African mine and other crimes.
A legal firm representing the men filed a notice of civil claim against Nevsun Resources yesterday in B.C. Supreme Court.
It says the company owns a controlling interest in the Bisha gold mine in the tiny East African country of Eritrea.
The document claims the men (Gize Araya, Kesete Fshazion and Mihretab Tekle) were subjected to inhumane conditions and degrading treatment including long hours, malnutrition and forced confinement for little pay.
The allegations have not yet been proven in court.
Nevsun officials were unavailable for comment, and a statement of defence had not yet been filed in court.
Joe Fiorante, who is a member of the men’s legal team, says his clients have fled the country but are not in Canada.
He says the case was filed in B.C. because it’s the only place where they have the chance at getting access to justice.
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