Former Gambian minister’s detention extended by six months
Switzerland’s highest court has ruled that Ousman Sonko, a former interior minister of Gambia suspected of human rights abuses, will have to remain in Swiss detention for another six months.
This content was published on
2 minutes
العربية
ar
القضاء السويسري يمدد احتجاز وزير غامبي سابق لستة أشهر أخرى
The Federal Supreme Court upheld a request made by the Attorney General’s Office to keep the ex-minister in custody. The request was earlier granted by a court of appeals of the Canton of Bern as Sonko’s detention order was due to expire on January 25. The Attorney General justified the extension on the grounds that new complaints and witnesses need to be heard.
In its judgment, the Federal Court held that Sonko, who is suspected of crimes against humanity, is in a financial position to defend his rights. In a previous ruling, the court had concluded he had not sufficiently clarified his financial situation.
On Wednesday, the Gambian government said the trial should take place in Switzerland.
“We wish to respect the integrity of the Swiss process and not interfere in any way, apart from providing assistance to the Swiss authorities,” Gambian Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou told Rundschau, a news programme on Swiss public television SRF.
He added that the Gambian government was grateful that Switzerland was taking on such a large responsibility and was guaranteeing that the suspect could not hide anywhere.
Torture allegations
Sonko, who sought asylum in Switzerland last year, was arrested last January. He allegedly commanded a special squad known for its brutality against citizens in the west African state of Gambia.
Trial International, an international justice organisation, accused Sonko of having personally taken part in what it described as torture between 2006 and 2016. Sonko served under ousted Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Will Switzerland seize opportunity in Sonko and Kosiah cases?
This content was published on
Human rights NGOs question the political will of Switzerland to prosecute former Gambian minister Ousman Sonko and former Liberian rebel Alieu Kosiah.
This content was published on
Sonko is currently in detention in Switzerland having sought asylum late last year. In an exclusive interview with Swiss public television, SRF, the new Gambian President Adama Barrow as well as Interior Minister Mai Fatty called for Sonko to be released into Gambian custody. The West African country is investigating claims of torture and killings under…
This content was published on
By delving into an ex-Gambian minister’s past, Swiss prosecutors have bucked a trend to undercut the work of the International Criminal Court.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.