Gambian death squad member receives life sentence in landmark trial in Germany

A German court has sentenced a 48-year-old Gambian death squad member, identified as Bai L., to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity, murder, and attempted murder. This marks Germany’s first trial related to abuses under the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh in Gambia.

Bai L., formerly known as Bai Lowe, served as a driver for the notorious “Junglers,” a death squad established by the Gambian government in the mid-1990s to suppress opposition. The court in Celle found him guilty of participating in murders, including the killing of AFP correspondent Deyda Hydara in 2004.

Despite Bai L.’s denial of involvement, the court followed the prosecutor’s request, delivering a verdict on three cases of crimes against humanity, murder, and attempted murder. Universal jurisdiction, recognized by Germany for serious crimes under international law, allowed the trial to proceed, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to justice.

Having sought refuge in Germany since 2012, Bai L. was arrested in March 2021 in Hanover. The charges against him included the attempted murder of lawyer Ousman Sillah, the murder of Deyda Hydara, and the attempted murder of individuals associated with the newspaper co-founded by Hydara.

Baba Hydara, Deyda Hydara’s son, expressed disappointment and betrayal at Bai L.’s defense, emphasizing the importance of the trial as a warning to those who committed crimes during the dictatorship. Patrick Kroker, Baba Hydara’s lawyer, highlighted that while Bai L. may not be the main perpetrator, his role was crucial in the commission of the crimes.

Reed Brody, a lawyer with the International Commission of Jurists, stated that the judgment in Celle demonstrated that “the long arm of justice” was reaching those involved in crimes under Jammeh’s regime. Ongoing proceedings against other collaborators, including Ousman Sonko in Switzerland and Michael Sang Correa in the United States, indicate a global pursuit of justice for crimes committed during Jammeh’s rule.

As Gambia addresses the legacy of 22 years of dictatorship, efforts are underway to establish a tribunal in collaboration with the Organization of West African States. The trial’s conclusion underscores the pursuit of accountability for past atrocities in the smallest country in continental Africa, led by President Adama Barrow, who assumed office in 2016.