Former Gambian Interior Minister Convicted of Crimes Against Humanity
In a landmark ruling, a former interior minister of Gambia, Ousman Sonko, was convicted of crimes against humanity by Switzerland’s federal court. The court found him guilty of multiple counts of intentional homicide, torture, and false imprisonment as part of a systematic attack on the civilian population of Gambia.
Sonko, who served under the autocratic President Yahya Jammeh, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The verdict was hailed as a “milestone” for victims of the government’s repression, with one plaintiff calling it an important step towards accountability.
The trial, which took place in Switzerland under the legal principle of universal jurisdiction, saw Sonko being held responsible for the torture and executions of civilians during his time in power. He will serve 13 more years in prison before facing deportation to Gambia.
While Sonko’s lawyer plans to appeal the verdict, advocates for justice praised the court’s decision. Benoit Meystre, a lawyer for TRIAL International, described the verdict as “historical,” noting that it sends a strong message that even high-ranking officials are not immune to prosecution for serious crimes.
Victims of the government’s repression, including the daughter of a tortured opposition leader, expressed relief at the verdict. They hope that Sonko’s conviction will push the current Gambian government to address the crimes of the past and provide justice for all victims.
The ruling serves as a warning to dictators everywhere that they will eventually be held accountable for their actions. As one activist put it, “There’s nowhere you can hide in the world.”
