The suit accuses Spain-based Inditex (whose brands include Zara, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Pull and Bear and Stradivarius), France-based SMCP (comprised of Parisian brands, Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot and De Fursac), U.S.-based footwear company Skechers, and the U.S. subsidiary of the Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo, of being accomplices in serious crimes, including concealment of the crime of forced labor, the crime of organized human trafficking, the crime of genocide and crimes against humanity.
The plaintiffs are asking the French judiciary to rule on the possible criminal liability of the companies. The stated aim is to end impunity for the brands, which are accused of offloading on their subcontractors their responsibility for human rights.