France: Landmark court case seeks compensation for Vietnamese victim of Agent Orange

France: Landmark court case seeks compensation for Vietnamese victim of Agent Orange

A woman has brought a landmark court case in France against 14 multinationals who manufactured and sold “Agent Orange” for use in the Vietnam War.

The case is notable because it has been brought by French-Vietnamese woman Tran To Nga, a civilian who allegedly suffered injuries from the defoliant while working as a journalist and an activist, whereas only military veterans have secured compensation in the past.

The lawsuit targets 14 firms connected to Agent Orange, including Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, and Dow Chemical, France 24 reports.

Valérie Cabanès, an expert in international law, told AFP: “A recognition of Vietnamese civilian victims would constitute a legal precedent.”

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