US EditionEx-Gambian minister appeals Swiss conviction for crimes against humanity
Ousman Sonko appeals his 20-year sentence for crimes under Jammeh, with prosecution seeking life term and inclusion of sexual violence charges.
- On Monday, former Gambian Minister Ousman Sonko appeared in a Swiss court in Bellinzona to appeal his conviction for crimes against humanity committed under Dictator Yahya Jammeh.
- Sonko served as interior minister until Jammeh dismissed him in 2016, and he was previously convicted in May 2024 for homicide, torture, and false imprisonment.
- His lawyer, Philippe Currat, argued in court on Monday that many alleged acts occurred before Swiss legislation took effect in 2011, stating, "The conditions for criminal prosecution are not met."
- Plaintiffs and the prosecution are appealing to extend Sonko's 20-year sentence to life and include sexual violence charges. Benoit Meystre of TRIAL International stated, "Sexual violence was a tool of repression in the Gambia."
- Five of 10 plaintiffs attended the Higher Appeals Chamber as proceedings continue until April 17, marking a historic use of universal jurisdiction to prosecute Jammeh-era crimes.
8 Articles
8 Articles
Sentenced to 20 years in prison, this close friend of former President Yahya Jammeh appealed the first judgement. The complainants and the Federal Prosecutor's Office also opened the trial this Monday in BellinzoneThe appeal trial of former Gambian minister Ousman Sonko, sentenced in 2024 to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity, opened Monday before the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzone, in southeastern Switzerland.
Historic Appeal: Gambian Minister Challenges Conviction in Swiss Court
Former Gambian minister Ousman Sonko has appealed a landmark conviction for crimes against humanity in a Swiss court. Sonko, convicted in May 2024 under universal jurisdiction, challenges the ruling citing legislative timing. The case holds significant implications for prosecuting Jammeh-era crimes and continues in Bellinzona until April 2024.
By Bakary Ceesay, in Germany - The appeals process in the case of former Gambian Interior Minister Ousman Sonko began Monday at the Swiss Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, nearly a decade after his arrest and almost two years after his conviction for crimes against humanity. In May 2024, the court found Sonko guilty of multiple counts of crimes against humanity committed between 2000 and 2016 under the rule of former Gambian President Yahya …
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