Ousman Sonko, the former Gambian interior minister, faces charges of crimes against humanity during ex-dictator Yahya Jammeh’s regime as his trial begins in Switzerland under the principle of universal jurisdiction.
The proceedings at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona are expected to last a month, with a verdict not anticipated before March.
Sonko, in custody since his 2017 arrest in Switzerland, could potentially receive a life sentence if convicted. He disputes all charges, and the trial comes after his asylum application following dismissal from his ministerial post.
The Geneva-based NGO Trial International initiated the case, made possible by Switzerland’s recognition in 2011 of the right to prosecute serious crimes committed abroad, provided the suspect is on Swiss soil.
“This trial is a significant moment in Swiss judicial history, being only the second trial for crimes against humanity in the country,” said Trial International president Leslie Haskell.
“Ousman Sonko will also be the highest-ranking state official ever to be tried for international crimes under the principle of universal jurisdiction in Europe.”
Following a criminal investigation lasting more than six years, in April last year the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland filed an indictment against Sonko.
He is accused of “having supported, participated in and failed to prevent systematic and generalised attacks as part of the repression carried out by the Gambian security forces against all opponents of the regime”.
The charges span a 16-year period and include nine counts of crimes against humanity.
He is accused of having “deliberately killed, tortured, raped and unlawfully deprived individuals of their liberty in a serious manner”.
There are 10 complainants in the case, according to Trial International, including eight “direct victims” and the daughter of a person who died in detention.
