On September 4, 2009

Judge Steps Down From Chevron Pollution Case

The Ecuadorean judge presiding over a $27 billion environmental contamination lawsuit against Chevron has withdrawn from the case just days after the oil company claimed secretly recorded videotapes show him discussing the verdict. Judge Juan Nuñez was videotaped during two meetings with American businessman Wayne Hansen and Ecuadorean Diego Borja, who were reportedly soliciting environmental remediation contracts. Chevron claims the videotapes, which were released Monday, show Nuñez has already decided to rule against the oil company. A third videotape, where Nuñez is not present, records men discussing a $3 million bribery scheme. The men claim they are members of President Rafael Correa’s ruling Alianza Pais party. The videotapes, recorded in May and June using a tiny camera-equipped pen and watch, threatened to derail or at least delay a case that…

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