September 15, 2023
Iranian victims of chemical weapons, used by Iraq during its 1980s’ war on Iran, are suing two Dutch firms for supplying chemicals to Iraq back then.
The five victims say the two firms Melchemie (now known as Otjiaha), and Forafina Beleg-gingen (formerly known as KBS Holland) supplied Iraq with chemicals between 1982 and 1984 and were aware that their substances were being used to manufacture mustard gas.
The firms claim the chemicals were intended for agricultural pesticide use, according to the Dutch daily De Volkskrant.
Billionaire Hans Melchers, the former owner of Melchemie, was summoned to appear in The Hague court on June 22.
Melchers is accused of directly participating in the supply of 1,850 tons of thionyl chloride, a raw material for mustard gas, to Iraq during the war.
He denies the accusations, but his then company was fined and closed down in 1987 for “intentionally” circumventing a ban imposed by the Dutch government to prevent the export to Iraq of materials that could be used for manufacturing weapons.
KBS Holland also faces a lawsuit for supplying Iraq with TDG, which is another component used in the production of mustard gas.
The five claimants suffered lasting injuries from mustard gas. They endure respiratory issues and disability due to damage to their lungs, eyes and skin.