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Ousman Sonko: Gambian ex-minister goes on trial in Switzerland for murder

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A former interior minister from The Gambia, Ousman Sonko, is facing trial in Switzerland on charges of crimes against humanity. Sonko fled to Switzerland in 2016, just before the fall of Gambian President Yahya Jammeh’s repressive regime. He is accused of involvement in killings, rape, and torture, with evidence presented by NGOs leading to his arrest. Sonko’s defense argues that he was not responsible, claiming the National Intelligence Agency was behind the alleged crimes and was not under his authority.

Switzerland is utilizing universal jurisdiction to prosecute the case, allowing countries to try individuals for crimes committed elsewhere. Sonko is the highest-ranking government official in Europe to be prosecuted under this principle. The trial is seen as a potential warning to repressive governments, emphasizing that they can be held accountable even outside their borders. The extensive charges against Sonko include ordering killings, torture, and rape against political opponents, potentially constituting crimes against humanity under Swiss law.

Swiss investigators gathered evidence in The Gambia, interviewing numerous victims and witnesses. The trial marks only the second instance of Switzerland using universal jurisdiction for crimes against humanity. Human rights groups believe it serves as a precedent for accountability. Sonko, who was a key figure in Jammeh’s regime, fled to Switzerland and claimed asylum, leading to his arrest after Trial International provided details of his alleged abuses. The trial is expected to last a month, with a verdict scheduled for March. Other countries are also pursuing cases against members of Jammeh’s regime, contributing to efforts for accountability in the face of widespread abuses during his rule.

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Mother in Austria Faces Attempted Murder Charges for Locking Child in Dog Cage

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Authorities in Austria are investigating a 32-year-old woman for the alleged attempted murder and torture of her 12-year-old son. The shocking case came to light recently and has sparked widespread outrage in the country. The woman has been in pre-trial detention in Krems, located northwest of Vienna, since November.

The alarm was raised by a social worker, and when authorities arrived, they found the child comatose and suffering from hypothermia. The father, who lives separately, had reportedly tipped off the authorities. The boy, who had been subjected to months of torture, was severely malnourished and had a body temperature of just 26.8°C. He was immediately taken to the hospital, and the mother was arrested the following day.

According to police spokesman Johann Baumschlager, the woman is suspected of locking her son in a small dog cage, exposing him to sub-zero temperatures, and depriving him of food. She allegedly doused him with cold water multiple times a day while keeping the apartment’s windows open for several hours in freezing temperatures. The physical health of the boy has since improved, but he continues to suffer severe psychological trauma.

In late May, the Supreme Court of Justice rejected the woman’s complaint against her prolonged custody. The investigation is ongoing and is expected to continue until late summer, at which point a decision regarding an indictment will be made.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright