Ousman Sonko, former interior minister under ousted Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh, faced charges of murder, rape, and torture at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, Switzerland.
This trial, under the principle of universal jurisdiction, signifies the highest-ranking official ever tried in Europe for crimes committed abroad.
Binta Jamba, one of the nine Gambian plaintiffs, alleges multiple rapes by Sonko between 2000-2002, following the murder of her husband in connection with an alleged coup attempt. Holding a sign that reads “Bring Jammeh and his accomplices to justice,” Jamba expressed the emotional toll of waiting for justice for nearly 25 years.
Sonko, 54, denies the charges, with his lawyer, Philippe Currat, urging the court to abandon the case, citing issues with investigations and hearings. Currat emphasized that he can prove Sonko was abroad for a significant portion of the period in question.
“It has been a long period of waiting, waiting with anger, anxiety. But I am very optimistic now and I feel so happy. I am smelling justice,” said 67-year-old plaintiff Madi Ceesay.
The trial, only Switzerland’s second for crimes against humanity, is not without controversy. Currat argues that some charges are not admissible, as they precede a relevant Swiss law enacted in 2011. Sonko, arrested in 2017 while seeking asylum, could face a life sentence if convicted.
“If we don’t hold people accountable, things like this will keep happening in Gambia, in Africa, all over the world,” emphasized Fatoumatta Sandeng, daughter of a Gambian activist killed in custody in 2016.