Former Gambian minister Ousman Sonko has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Swiss court for crimes against humanity.
He fled to Switzerland in 2016 amid accusations of rights abuses by the government of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Despite Sonko’s denial of responsibility, the court convicted him of intentional homicide, torture, and false imprisonment, though he was acquitted of rape.
The case, tried under the principle of universal jurisdiction, marks a significant step in holding high-ranking officials accountable for atrocities committed elsewhere.
Human rights groups see it as a message against impunity, but challenges remain in addressing abuses under Jammeh’s regime in The Gambia.
Other countries are also pursuing cases against former members of Jammeh’s government, highlighting the widespread impact of his rule beyond national borders.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjljl54n0z1o