The Federal Criminal Court in Switzerland is poised to make a crucial decision this Tuesday: whether it can judge Ousman Sonko, a former Gambian minister, for crimes against humanity allegedly committed before 2011. The court’s ruling will set the stage for a landmark trial under the principle of universal jurisdiction, bringing to light accusations of brutality and oppression during Yahya Jammeh’s reign as Gambian dictator.
Sonko, who served as interior minister from 2006 to 2016, stands accused of participating in and enabling “systematic and generalized attacks” against regime opponents by Gambian security forces between 2000 and 2016. The charges, spanning nine counts of crimes against humanity, include deliberate killings, torture, rape, and unlawful imprisonment.
The trial unfolds against the backdrop of Jammeh’s iron-fisted rule, which cast a long shadow over The Gambia for 22 years. The principle of universal jurisdiction, enshrined in Swiss law in 2011, empowers the country to prosecute internationally recognized crimes regardless of where they occurred, offering a path to justice for victims beyond national borders.
Sonko, currently in custody since his 2017 arrest in Switzerland, maintains his innocence. His lawyer, Philippe Currat, argued on Monday that the principle of non-retroactivity bars any prosecution for acts prior to 2011. He further requested the case’s dismissal and substantial reparations for his client, citing procedural violations.
The prosecution paints a different picture, portraying Sonko as a high-ranking official complicit in a regime characterized by systematic repression. With ten complainants, including eight alleged direct victims, the case promises to shed light on a harrowing period in Gambian history.
Trial International, the Geneva-based NGO instrumental in Sonko’s detention, hails the proceedings as a landmark moment. They contend that Sonko, as the highest-ranking state official ever tried in Europe under universal jurisdiction for international crimes, represents a crucial step towards accountability for human rights abuses on a global scale.
The court’s decision on Tuesday will determine whether Sonko stands trial for the full scope of accusations. The anticipated month-long proceedings, culminating in a verdict expected no sooner than March, are bound to draw international attention and raise crucial questions about justice, accountability, and the pursuit of truth beyond national borders.
As Sonko calmly listened to the opening day’s discussions, taking notes amidst the legal arguments, the weight of history hung heavy in the air. The coming weeks promise not only a courtroom drama, but also a potential turning point in the fight against impunity for heinous crimes against humanity.
