Chiquita ordered to pay damages for supporting paramilitary death squad in Colombia

SOURCE www.npr.org
Chiquita, a major banana company, has been ordered to pay millions in damages to relatives of victims killed by a paramilitary death squad in Colombia. The company had been helping to fund the paramilitaries during Colombia's Guerrilla War.

Key Points

  • Chiquita paid $1.7 million to paramilitaries between 1997 and 2004
  • Company fined $25 million after pleading guilty to financing a terrorist group in 2007
  • Florida jury ordered Chiquita to pay $38 million to families of victims killed by paramilitaries
  • Verdict sets a precedent for prosecuting corporations for human rights abuses committed overseas

Pros

  • Justice for victims' families
  • Sets precedent for holding corporations accountable for human rights abuses abroad

Cons

  • Loss of life due to Chiquita's actions
  • Negative impact on the reputation of Chiquita