Rechercher

/ languages

Choisir langue
 

French Polynesia

Judges hear nuclear poisoning cases

Article published on the 2009-04-28 Latest update 2009-04-28 10:24 TU

A nuclear test in Mururoa.(Photo: AFP)

A nuclear test in Mururoa.
(Photo: AFP)

A court in French Polynesia began hearing compensation claims by former workers at nuclear weapons testing sites on Mururoa and Fangataufa Atolls on Tuesday. The case is the first of eight lodged in the wake of a new French law creating a compensation fund for those suffering from illnesses related to radiation exposure.

Print the article

Send the article

Comments on article


France conducted more than 200 nuclear tests in French Polynesia and the Algerian Sahara between 1960 and 1996.

Five of the claimants have already died, and their cases are being pursued by their families.

French Polynesian president Oscar Temaru, questioned the impartiality of the judges, and said that the cases should be heard in international court.

Roland Oldham, president of Morura E Tatou, which represents former workers, said that former French employees at the test sites have already been compensated, and that it would be “unbelievable” if his Polynesian members received different treatment.