Geneva, In a landmark ruling, a Swiss court has sentenced Ousman Sonko, former Minister of Interior of the Gambia, to 20 years in prison for his involvement in crimes against humanity. This decision marks a significant advancement in the global fight against impunity and the pursuit of justice for victims of serious human rights violations in the Gambia during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN High Commissioner Volker Türk praised the verdict, noting its importance not only to the victims but also as a critical step toward accountability for perpetrators of grave crimes worldwide. The case underscores the potential of national courts to use universal or extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute serious human rights offenses committed abroad.

High Commissioner Türk also encouraged other nations to consider similar measures within their legal systems, to ensure that suspects of egregious human rights abuses face justice, thereby strengthening the rule of law internationally and within the Gambia itself.