By Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press
TORONTO –
A group of more than 20 Tanzanians and their family members have filed a lawsuit against Barrick Gold Corp., alleging they or their loved ones were beaten, shot at or killed by police at one of the company’s mines in the African country.
The plaintiffs in the suit filed against the Toronto-based gold miner on Wednesday at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice say five people were killed by the police, five tortured by them and at least another five were shot at by the authorities, resulting in serious injuries.
“We alleged it is Barrick and especially the senior management and board in Toronto that are responsible for the human rights and security policy at the North Mara mind and the hope is to pursue this case and get some accountability for the violence that has occurred against these community members and their families,” said Joe Fiorante of CFM Lawyers, who is representing the plaintiffs.