(This August 18 story corrects to clarify sourcing and month in fifth paragraph)
FREETOWN/JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Sierra Leoneans seeking damages for alleged environmental degradation around a diamond mine have applied for a freezing order on the assets of Octea, a subsidiary of Israeli billionaire Beny Steinmetz’s BSG Resources (BSGR).
In an affidavit to the high court of Sierra Leone, seen by Reuters, the lawyer for the plaintiffs said there was a “clear and present risk” the defendants could expatriate funds in order to avoid having to pay out if the court rules against them.
Sierra Leone’s High Court discussed the application for a freezing order on Tuesday and will continue on Wednesday, a lawyer for the plaintiffs and a court clerk said. A spokesman for BSGR said the company would not comment until there was a legal ruling.
Plaintiffs in Sierra Leone diamond mine lawsuit request freeze of Steinmetz subsidiary s assets reuters.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from reuters.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.