The former Gambian Interior Minister continues to be in the dock in Switzerland. Before the Federal Criminal Court, Ousman Sonko is accused of crimes against humanity, torture, kidnapping and even extrajudicial executions. A historic trial. This weekend, the repression of an attempted coup d’état in March 2006 was discussed. A panel of investigators had been set up. Suspects questioned at intelligence headquarters, with multiple abuses committed. Several victims blamed the ex-minister.
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Through intense testimonies, often full of emotion, several Gambians recounted how they were brutally interrogated by intelligence. They detailed the beatings, torture and rapes they suffered. Cruel methods whose aim was to extract confessions.
But what role did Ousman Sonko have? He who was chief of police at the time. He did not participate directly in the interrogations, but he is accused of having been a member of the panel of investigators responsible for supervising the operation, and of not having denounced the abuses.
Me Philippe Currat denies any responsibility of his client. According to him, the chairman of the panel affirmed that Ousman Sonko was not part of it. Certainly, the former minister came to the premises a few times, but he did not witness the abuse and had no control over the torturers. “ There is nothing against him. And even if he had been aware of the mistreatment, this does not give rise to his criminal liability. », Indicates the lawyer. Mr. Currat goes further and accuses certain witnesses of lying, of having modified their versions of the facts in a coordinated manner to obtain a conviction. “ I hope the judges won’t be fooled », Indicates the lawyer.
Benoît Meystre, legal advisor for Trial International, the NGO behind the trial, believes that Ousman Sonko did have a responsibility due to his high office. As for the victims, “ they can finally express themselves. Not before a prosecutor but before a court. That makes all the difference “, he believes.
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