London — Law firm Leigh Day has filed a case with London’s high court against JSE-listed Pallinghurst’s subsidiary Gemfields, saying it represents more than 100 Mozambicans who have allegedly suffered human rights abuses, the lawyers said on Monday. Gemfields, which describes itself as "a leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones" said, together with its subsidiary, Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM), it would vigorously defend itself, and it denounced any form of violence or abuse. Monday’s statement from Leigh Day, which acts on a no-win, no-fee basis, said it had served formal proceedings on behalf of the claimants, who allege they have been shot, beaten, subjected to humiliating treatment and sexual abuse, unlawfully detained, and/or forced to carry out menial labour. Contacted by Reuters, the high court said it could not comment. Leigh Day said it could take months for the case to be heard. Both Gemfields and Pallinghurst on Monday referred Reuters to a statement on G...
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