Between 8 and 26 January 2024, the first phase of the trial of Ousman Sonko for crimes against humanity took place in Bellinzona, Switzerland.

During these three weeks, the Court heard eight plaintiffs who made the trip to Switzerland to tell their stories as well as three witnesses. Ousman Sonko was also heard on the charges he is accused of: a murder and multiple sexual offenses in 2000 onwards, acts of torture and deprivation of liberty in 2006, a murder in 2011 and acts of torture and deprivation of liberty in 2016, as well as on the general context during the Jammeh regime.

On 26 January 2024, the Court suspended the trial as the parties’ cases were presented.

During this second phase of the trial starting today – and that could last until 8 March 2024 (possibly until 11 March) – the Prosecutor, the plaintiffs’ legal representatives as well as the defense will make their closing arguments.

The trial schedule is available on the Federal criminal Court’s website (top right) in French, German and Italian.

Coming next: the Prosecutor’s closing arguments.