The former interior minister of the Gambia in West Africa, Ousman Sonko, appeared in a Swiss court today. He is accused of crimes against humanity. In his homeland, Sonko was considered the “torture commander” of authoritarian ruler Yahya Jammeh.
He first served in the military, then police chief and interior minister from 2006 to 2016, before fleeing to Switzerland. His client rejects all charges, his lawyer Philippe Currat told dpa.
The indictment accuses Sonko, among other things, of “intentionally killing, torturing and raping”, as the Federal Criminal Court of Bellinzona explains on its website about the case. Sonko fled abroad in late 2016 as the end of Jammeh's rule became apparent.
Detected in the home of asylum seekers in Switzerland
He was recognized at a home for asylum seekers in Switzerland and arrested in January 2017 following a report by Trial International. The organization fights against the impunity of these perpetrators and supports the victims who participate in the trial before the Federal Criminal Court of Bellinzona. The process is expected to last at least until the end of January.
The accusation is based on the principle of universal law. Crimes against humanity are so serious that they can be brought to justice in any country in the world.