Chevron Seeks $500,000 Compensation

Chevron Corp., which prevailed in a human-rights lawsuit seeking to hold it responsible for the shooting of Nigerian protesters at an oil platform, is seeking nearly $500,000 in legal costs from the villagers who brought the suit.

Chevron's claim for reimbursement, filed in A US federal court, includes $190,000 in copying charges.

The San Ramon-based company, which posted a record $23.8-billion profit for 2008, says it is entitled to the money because a nine-member jury decided in the company’s favor in December.

Lawyers for the ILLAJE villagers IN NIGERIAS NIGER DELTA REGION had sought to hold the oil giant responsible for the 1998 shooting and mistreatment of protesters by Nigerian soldiers at the Parabe oil rig off the coast of Nigeria.

They have filed an appeal in the case, which is scheduled to be heard next month.

Advocates and lawyers for the Nigerians said they ARE outraged by Chevron's attempt to seek money from the plaintiffs, including one who was shot and wounded, another who was arrested and tortured and others whose husbands or fathers were killed.

In its claim, Chevron is seeking reimbursement from 19 plaintiffs and 30 former plaintiffs who dropped out of the case before it went to trial.

At least a dozen of those named are children.