Today, the Akali Tange Association responded to Barrick’s statements on the recent house burnings and human rights abuses in Wangima Village. The response, titled “URGENT – Allegations of Human Rights Abuses at the Porgera Mine – Village Burning, Forced Eviction, Assault, Rape” addresses false claims by Barrick that only 18 temporary structures were burnt down. The letter also addresses Barrick’s responsibility regarding these abuses, questions Barrick’s claim that a search warrant was obtained from the Porgera District Court, questions the reliability of any investigation carried out by Mr. Ila Geno, and criticizes the ineffectiveness and lack of transparency of Porgera Joint Venture’s operational grievance mechanism.
READ Full statement here.
SEE Aerial evidence of house burning here.