The verdict is a step forward for the principle of universal jurisdiction, creates new ways to seek justice for atrocity perpetrators who evade prosecution in their home countries, human-rights activists say
On July 13, 6 members of the top leadership of the National Intelligence Agency, a place notorious for torture and disappearance under the regime of Yahya Jammeh (1994-2017), were sentenced to death for their role in the 2016 killing of political activist Ebrima Solo Sandeng, and other crimes. This was the most high-profile case connected to Jammeh’s crimes to be prosecuted in the Gambia.
In an interview with Justice Info Gambia’s Justice minister Dawda Jallow said his government has the political will to deliver justice for past crimes. No clear strategy has been explained yet and some victims doubt the government’s will to implement the Truth Commission’s recommendations. But it will “likely be a hybrid court”, the Minister says.
"We know that certain individuals who had been adversely mentioned by the commission, continue to serve in the various areas of public and security services. The government will take steps for their immediate suspension from service" Dawda Jallow, Gambian Justice Minister