An Iraqi man is threatening to sue oil giant BP, saying his son died of cancer caused by the oil giant’s practice of gas flaring.
Hussein Julood sent a letter to the company Monday, a prelude to a lawsuit that comes as he seeks damages for the death of his son, Ali, who suffered from leukemia.
Legal analysts say the lawsuit would mark the first time a fossil fuel corporation has faced a legal challenge in the United Kingdom relating to overseas flaring. BP is hosting its annual general meeting Thursday in London, where Julood plans to address directors and shareholders about the effects of gas flaring on his community.
The family grew up near Rumaila, Iraq — one of the largest oil fields in the world. Julood says the town has suffered soaring cancer rates and has been nicknamed “the cemetery” by locals.
