Chevron Corp. provided authorities in Ecuador and the U.S. with video recordings that reveal a $3 million bribery scheme implicating the judge presiding over the environmental lawsuit currently pending against the company and individuals who identify themselves as representatives of the Ecuadorian government and its ruling party. In the videos, the judge confirms that he will rule against Chevron and that appeals by the energy company will be denied — even though the trial is ongoing and evidence is still being received. A purported party official also states that lawyers from the executive branch have been sent to assist the judge in writing the decision.
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This video raises more questions about Chevron than the judge. First, why did Chevron wait four months to turn over the tapes to the authorities and released them only a few months before the judge was expected to issue his ruling. Second, are we really supposed to believe those two men videotaped the meetings, risking the possibility of subpoenas and investigations with pricey legal fees, without wanting anything in return from Chevron and doing so without the company’s knowledge?! Both men offer the bribe but judge never accepts it!
The release of this video is in line with the dirty tricks Chevron has played before in the lawsuit. To read an accurate portrayal of how Chevron and its predecessor Texaco have operated in Ecuador, read this editorial in the Los Angeles Times from this past Saturday: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-chevron29-2009aug29,0,6967677.story