- The trial against former Gambian Interior Minister Ousman Sonko has resumed before the criminal chamber of the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona.
- Prosecutor Sabrina Beyeler is requesting a life sentence.
Ousman Sonko, Gambia’s former interior minister, came to Switzerland as an asylum seeker, where he now has to answer to the judiciary. Sonko should be found guilty of multiple serious crimes against human rights, said prosecutor Sabrina Beyeler after a month-long break in the trial in Bellinzona. He should receive a life sentence.
Legend:
Before the trial began in January 2024, victims and their relatives demonstrated in front of the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona.
Keystone/Ti Press/Pablo Gianinazzi
For the Federal Prosecutor’s Office it is undisputed that Ousman Sonko is responsible for killings, torture, rape and multiple violations of sexual self-determination as qualified crimes against humanity. In her plea, the public prosecutor showed to what extent Sonko, as a member of a group of perpetrators, was partly responsible for the crimes. These were committed as part of a systematic attack against the civilian population of Gambia.
The public prosecutor described Sonko’s guilt as serious in all respects. He has so far shown no remorse and denied any responsibility. He also described himself as innocent in the main proceedings before the criminal chamber, which began in January 2024. His behavior during the investigation was only superficially cooperative. He made over 50 complaints and behaved in a disruptive manner, which the public prosecutor viewed as increasing the punishment.
According to the prosecutor, the trial is historic because it is the first time in Switzerland that a former interior minister has been convicted of crimes against humanity. Central legal questions arose that are still pending clarification by the federal court.