The bloody history behind the $38 million Chiquita verdict

The execution of a banana plantation worker in Colombia by right-wing paramilitary members in 1997 was swift and brutal. The bus that the worker was on was stopped at a checkpoint, where he was taken off the bus and beaten to death in front of other passengers. His body was then dumped on the side of the road and covered with a banana plant. The worker’s family subsequently experienced further tragedy, with his daughter and sister-in-law disappearing and death threats being made to another family member. The United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, an infamous right-wing terrorist group, was responsible for these acts. In a recent civil case, banana company Chiquita Brands International was found liable for financing the paramilitary group and was ordered to pay compensation to the victims’ families. The verdict sets a legal precedent and holds a major US corporation accountable for human rights abuses in another country. Chiquita has stated that it will appeal the verdict.