Alleged crimes against humanity: Gambia’s former interior minister faces trial in Switzerland
Ousman Sonko, Gambia’s former interior minister, appeared before Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona on Monday, denying charges of crimes against humanity during the oppressive regime of ex-dictator Yahya Jammeh.
Former political opponent Demba Dem expressed anticipation, stating, “We have been waiting for this day to happen,” outside the court.
The trial, invoking universal jurisdiction, signifies Switzerland’s pursuit of justice for alleged crimes regardless of where they occurred. Sonko faces accusations of supporting, participating in, and failing to prevent attacks by Gambian security forces against regime opponents from 2000 to 2016, encompassing nine counts of crimes against humanity.
“We want to see those accused of crimes brought to justice,” emphasized plaintiff Demba Dem, expressing hope for a trial that sets an example for other dictators.
Sonko, turning 55 on Tuesday, refrained from addressing the court during the opening hearings. The proceedings, expected to last a month, may yield a verdict in March, potentially leading to life imprisonment for Sonko if convicted.
Jammeh’s autocratic rule from 1994 to 2016 saw Sonko as interior minister from 2006 to 2016. The case, with ten complainants, including eight direct victims, brought together protesters demanding justice for Jammeh and his associates.
As plaintiff Ramzia Diab, a former lawmaker, shared her emotions outside the court, saying, “I was shocked to hear his defense lawyer saying that Sonko does not accept that Yahya Jammeh was a dictator.”
The legal proceedings mark a significant milestone, as Sonko, in custody since his 2017 arrest in Switzerland, becomes the highest-ranking state official ever tried in Europe for international crimes under universal jurisdiction.
Alice Autin from Human Rights Watch called the case “an important step in the search for justice and an end to impunity” in The Gambia.
Sonko, accused of crimes in various roles within the army, police, and government, seeks compensation of approximately 800,000 Swiss francs ($945,000) for his detention in Switzerland. His lawyer argues against trying acts before 2011, citing the principle of non-retroactivity.
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