The Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, Switzerland, has delivered a significant verdict, sentencing Ousman Sonko, the former interior minister of The Gambia, to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity.
Sonko, who served under former President Yahya Jammeh’s regime for 16 years, was found guilty of intentional homicide, torture, and false imprisonment during Jammeh’s 22-year rule.
The charges against Sonko, spanning from 2006 to 2016, included nine counts of crimes against humanity.
While acquitted of rape charges, Sonko was accused by Swiss prosecutors of supporting, participating in, and failing to prevent attacks against opponents in The Gambia.
Sonko, who applied for asylum in Switzerland in November 2016 and was subsequently arrested, faced trial starting in January.
The 55-year-old has the option to appeal the verdict.
