Media advisory – Appeal trial of Ousman Sonko
The appeal trial against former interior minister of The Gambia for crimes against humanity will open on 30 March 2026.
What
The appeal trial of Ousman Sonko, former Interior Minister of The Gambia, will open on 30 March 2026 before the Higher Appeals Chamber of the Swiss Federal Criminal Court (FCC).
Why
On 15 May 2024, Ousman Sonko was found guilty of multiple counts of crimes against humanity for atrocities committed between 2000 and 2016, during the rule of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh. He was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment. The accused, the Office of the Attorney General, and ten plaintiffs have appealed the decision.
His trial was the second for crimes against humanity in Swiss judicial history. Ousman Sonko was also the highest-ranking state official ever to be tried in Europe for international crimes under the principle of universal jurisdiction.
When
The appeal trial will take place on the following dates:
- Opening of the proceedings: 30 March 2026 at 9h30
- Hearing dates:
- 31.03. – 02.04.2026
- 07 – 10.04.2026
- 14 – 17.04.2026
- Reserve dates:
- 20 – 24.04.2026
- 29 – 30.04.2026
Where
Federal Criminal Court, Viale Stefano Franscini 7, 6500 Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland.
Accessibility
The proceedings will be in German and will be open to the public and the media, subject to available courtroom space.
Interested journalists may request accreditation with the General Secretariat of the FCC.
Further information provided by the FCC. (case CA.2025.3)
Contact
For more information, visit our case page or contact:
Anja Härtwig (English, French, German)
+41 22 519 03 96
TRIAL International will be present in Bellinzona throughout the appeal trial.
