Swiss Businessman Sentenced in Landmark Asbestos Case

In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through the Swiss business community, former Eternit executive Stephan Schmidheiny has been sentenced to 9 years and 6 months in prison by the Turin Court of Appeal. The verdict, delivered in connection with 91 asbestos-related deaths, marks a significant development in one of Italy's most prominent environmental and public health cases. The court ruled on charges of involuntary manslaughter, a reduction from the original prosecution request for manslaughter charges.

The case centers on the Eternit factory in Casale Monferrato, located in Italy's northern Piedmont region. The prosecution presented evidence linking 91 deaths to asbestos exposure from the facility. A separate ruling by the Novara Assize Court documented an even larger toll, citing 392 deaths, including 62 factory workers and 330 local residents. The case has highlighted the devastating long-term health impacts of asbestos exposure and raised questions about corporate responsibility in industrial safety.

Schmidheiny's defense team has announced plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining their client's innocence. According to defense lawyer Astolfo di Amato, many charges were dismissed 'because the fact does not exist,' suggesting weaknesses in the prosecution's case. The defense emphasizes that Schmidheiny initiated an asbestos removal program in 1976 when the material was still legal in Italy. They also point to a humanitarian compensation program that has benefited over 2,000 victims, arguing for a broader perspective on corporate responsibility versus individual criminal liability.

The National Asbestos Observatory, representing victims and their families, has welcomed the verdict as a victory for justice. The organization emphasizes that while the ruling cannot reverse the tragic losses, it establishes a crucial precedent that prioritizes human life over profit. Victims' advocates argue that the company was aware of asbestos risks well before its ban in Italy, making the continued operation of the factory particularly egregious. The verdict has been seen as a voice for the victims and a warning to corporate entities about prioritizing safety.

The Swiss Eternit Group, controlled by the Schmidheiny family, held majority ownership of Eternit Italy from 1976 to 1986. The company ceased operations in 1986, predating Italy's 1992 asbestos ban by six years. This case has highlighted the complex legacy of asbestos use in industrial settings and its long-lasting impact on communities. It also underscores the challenges of attributing responsibility for historical industrial practices that are now recognized as hazardous, particularly in cases involving multinational corporations.