The meeting covered technical issues with audio connections before delving into discussions about nuclear energy, waste management, and their environmental and societal impacts. Participants explored the concept of victimology, restorative justice, and the challenges of holding corporations accountable for nuclear-related responsibilities. The conversation also touched on international perspectives, including Spain's approach to nuclear energy and the global implications of nuclear waste disposal, highlighting the need for education and international cooperation in addressing these complex issues.

Next steps

• Prof. Robert Peacock to provide sources and more information about South Africa's successful efforts to stop the nuclear deal with Russia.
• Attendees to explore ways to create safe spaces for authentic confrontation between affected communities and those responsible for nuclear projects.
• Attendees to consider how to use restorative justice approaches to address violent conflicts between communities regarding nuclear waste storage.
• James and Mary Beth to share their documentary film with the attendees' communities and networks to raise awareness about nuclear issues.
• Attendees to investigate potential links between nuclear projects, corruption, and political complicity in their respective countries.
• James and Mary Beth to explore forming international alliances to address global nuclear waste and energy issues.
• Attendees to research and share information about their countries' positions on increasing nuclear energy use in the coming decades.

Summary

Victimology and Environmental Harm Discussed

In the meeting, Chelo introduced Professor Gema Verona, director of the Victimology Institute (IVAC) at University of Basque Country's and President of the World Society of Victimology. Gema expressed admiration for the documentary film and discussed the topics of restorative justice, environmental harm, intergenerational justice, community participation, and the role of corporations and whistleblowers. The floor was then opened to the audience for questions and comments. 
 

Michael O'Connell - Consulting Victimologist -  Honorary Fellow, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, OP Jindal University, Adelaide, Australia
Michael shared his experience with the Fukushima disaster and appreciated the film's portrayal of the social, emotional, and psychological harm caused by the event. He explained the concept of victimology and its expansion to include non-human factors like natural disasters. James/Mary Beth thanked Michael for the education on victimology and expressed appreciation for the film.

Nuclear Abolition and Waste Management Challenges

Ivo Aertsen - Emeritus Professor - Faculty of Law and Criminology - Leuven Institute of Criminology

In the meeting, James/Mary Beth and Ivo discussed the challenges of nuclear technology and waste management. James/Mary Beth advocated for nuclear abolition, emphasizing the unreformable nature of the nuclear complex and its connection to the permanent war economy. They also highlighted the difficulties in restoring the collective gene pool and the need for education on the implications of nuclear waste. Ivo agreed with James/Mary Beth ' abolitionist approach and suggested creating safe spaces for authentic confrontation between those responsible and those affected. They also touched on the legal context of holding corporations accountable for their responsibilities, including waste management.

Spanish Nuclear Energy and Conflict

Gema Varona - director of the Victimology Institute (IVAC) at University of Basque Country's and President of the World Society of Victimology

In the meeting, Gema provided context on the political situation in Spain, particularly regarding nuclear energy. They mentioned that Spain is heavily influenced by the European Union's policies but has differences in its approach. Gema highlighted that Spain has taken a stance on nuclear energy, with some nuclear reactors being shut down and others being dependent on French nuclear energy. They also mentioned the ongoing conflict between different groups regarding the establishment of nuclear cemeteries. Gema suggested that restorative justice could potentially help in resolving these violent conflicts between communities. They also discussed the irony of Spain's commitment to nuclear energy abolition while still relying on nuclear energy from France. The conversation ended withJames/Mary Beth  suggesting the potential for long-lasting careers in managing nuclear waste as an alternative energy source.

Nuclear Waste and Colonial Impact

Aitor - PhD Student

The interaction focused on the issue of nuclear waste and its impact on the environment and public health. James/Mary Beth and Aitor discussed the historical context of nuclear energy, including the 1976 law that prohibited further nuclear reactor building until a permanent waste repository was established. They also touched on the current political situation, with some states being pressured to reverse this legislation and build more nuclear reactors. The conversation also highlighted the colonial aspect of nuclear waste, with waste from the global north being dumped on the global south.James/Mary Beth  mentioned the ongoing legal challenges to prevent the movement of waste to less powerful sites, such as New Mexico and Texas. The conversation ended with a discussion on the relationship between state and corporate crime, and what it would take for the general public and world leaders to fully understand the severity of the situation.

Nuclear Waste and Political Corruption

Prof. Robert Peacock, Criminology Professor, Free State University, South Africa

In the meeting, Robert and James/Mary Beth discussed the magnitude of the nuclear problem and its link to corruption and political complicity. James/Mary Beth  shared his experiences with the nuclear power plants in California and the challenges they face. They also discussed the issue of nuclear waste and its disposal, with James/Mary Beth  expressing his concern about the degree of corruption and criminality underlying the nuclear complex. The conversation also touched on the topic of international alliances and the dumping of nuclear waste in Africa. Robert shared his experiences with state capture and the nuclear deal with Russia in South Africa, highlighting the importance of international alliances and the need for expertise in managing nuclear waste. The conversation ended with Robert expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to share their knowledge and hopes for the future.