Alain Malardé, captain of the merchant navy and Breton figure, decided to send us a video to highlight his fierce and complex fight linked to the Erika affair. More than two decades after the environmental disaster caused by the sinking of the oil tanker in December 1999, Alain Malardé continues to denounce a system which he describes as “mafia”, and the opacity surrounding the compensation of the victims.
Back on a tragedy and its consequences
Erika, a dilapidated oil maker, had sunk off Brittany, causing a devastating oil spill that polluted miles of ribs. With more than 6,000 people directly assigned – fishermen, tourism professionals, residents -, the disaster has turned into a complex legal fight, at the heart of which Alain Malardé has become a committed actor.
In his video, he returns to the countless legal mesets and questionable practices which, he said, have marked the management of compensation. According to him, a commercial company based in Lorient would illegally have diverted the funds intended for the victims – a sum of 84 million francs (or around 13 million euros).
A fight against a system which he considers corrupt
Alain Malardé also unveils his long fight against courts which he had repeatedly challenged (Nantes, Rennes, and finally Saint-Brieuc). He explains in detail the obstacles to which he has encountered, in particular the collusion he claims between certain institutions, influential individuals, and the parliamentary rapporteur to compensation of the time.
“We were manipulated, we were stolen … and this, in defiance of the International Convention FIPOL 92, which was to guarantee an equitable distribution of compensation. Today, 25 years later, the victims have still not seen the color of this Argent ”, indignant Alain Malardé.
Spectacular actions to make his voice heard
Faced with the silence of the institutions, Alain Malardé carried out actions punch: demonstrations, media interventions, public standards with the authorities. Results: 32 police custody, one month in prison, and a personal compulsory liquidation which he considers as a means of preventing him from carrying out his activities. “They withdrew my captain’s certificate to me to get down financially,” he said.
An urgent call for mobilization
This Breton sailor, who refuses to give up despite the years of battle, today calls the media, citizens, and all stakeholders to mobilize for this cause. Its objective is clear: that justice is done, that the 13 million euros are redistributed fairly between the victims, and that those responsible for alleged embezzlement are held responsible.
Photo credit: DR
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