For more than a quarter of a century, Indians have awaited a verdict for the largest industrial disaster in history, that of Bhopal. Eight individuals have been found guilty of negligence that caused the death of, according to some sources, more than 35,000 people in 1984 in Bhopal due to the leak of toxic gas from the Union Carbide pesticide plant, reports hrt.hr.
A decision on the severity of the sentences is still awaited. All eight convicted individuals could receive the maximum sentence – which amounts to only two years. An angry crowd is eagerly waiting in front of the courthouse. Human rights activists have announced a fight and an appeal to the Supreme Court until the people of Bhopal receive justice and a dignified life. The consequences of the disaster, environmentalists claim, are still felt today in the area of the worst industrial disaster in history. Poison is present in the environment, and Bhopal has the highest recorded cases of cancer and newborns with deformities. (www.hrt.hr)
