The Switzerland government will try a former Gambian minister under toppled dictator, Yahya Jammeh, for his crimes against humanity today, Monday, 8 January in a milestone case where a serial rape victim will give testimony after a multi-decade wait for justice.
Ousman Sonko, the former interior minister will become the highest-ranking official to be adjudicated in Europe under the principle of universal jurisdiction that permits grave crimes to be sued anywhere.
Nine Gambian plaintiffs will fly to Switzerland for the arranged January 8-30 trial at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona in a case human rights activists see as securing global accountability for the severe atrocities.
Sonko, aged 54, is facing charges including murder, multiple rapes, and torture between 2000-2016 in what is called Switzerland’s second trial ever for crimes committed against humanity. He is however, denying the charges.
The defendant’s lawyer, Philippe Currat has revealed plans to ask the court to leave the case, citing issues with the investigations and hearings.
Sonko, was nabbed in early 2017 in Switzerland, where he was seeking refuge. This was after Jammeh’s 22-year repressive government ended in January 2017 after he lost an election and was compelled to flee.
Sonko is facing a life sentence as a maximum possible penalty if guilty.
