France, Dec. 17 -- Anti-terrorism prosecutors are asking the court to impose the maximum corporate fine of €1.2 million on Lafarge SA and prison terms of up to eight years for several former executives.

The case centres on payments allegedly made between late 2012 and 2014 to armed groups in northern Syria, including the Islamic State group.

After more than six hours of closing arguments, prosecutors said Lafarge deliberately financed terrorist organisations to maintain operations at its Jalabiya cement plant in northern Syria.

They said the company paid "at least" €4.6 million to armed groups. The sum was described as unprecedented and shocking.

"Four million euros represents more than 4,000 Kalashnikovs or the salaries o...