French energy giant Total is facing legal action over allegations of torture at a natural gas project in Yemen. The company is under fire over its claimed failure to comply with due diligence obligations related to alleged human rights violations committed at the complex.

Geneva-based MENA Rights Group in February announced that it was filing a complaint with the Court of Justice in Paris. The lawsuit alleges that two individuals were subjected to secret detention and torture by Emirati forces at the Balhaf gas complex in the governorate of Shabwah. Total is a minority shareholder in Yemen LNG, the company running the project, with a 39.6% stake.

Basis for action

The case against Total is based on its alleged failure to implement its commitments under French law. Speaking to Amwaj.media, MENA Rights Group’s legal advisor Alexis Thiry stated that his organization believes Total...