This ruling represents a crucial step in addressing human rights abuses and holds accountable those involved in past acts of violence during Gambia's authoritarian regime.
Below is the full text of the release..
“The Ministry of Justice acknowledges the landmark conviction of Michael Sang Correa, a former member of The Gambia's notorious paramilitary unit, the "Junglers," by a U.S. federal jury in Denver.
Mr. Correa fled to the United States in December 2016 and is one of 69 individuals recommended for prosecution by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC). He was found guilty of torturing five individuals accused of participating in a failed 2006 coup against former President Yahya Jammeh, as well as conspiracy to commit torture. This verdict represents a significant milestone in the global pursuit of justice for victims of human rights abuses.
Mr. Correa's prosecution under the U.S. Torture Act a statute permitting the trial of individuals present in the United States for acts of torture committed abroad-
Demonstrates application of universal jurisdiction.
This legal principle allows nations to hold perpetrators accountable for egregious crimes, regardless of where they were committed or the nationalities involved. The case also underscores the importance of transitional justice, which seeks to address past human rights violations through legal accountability, truth-seeking, and institutional reform.
The Ministry of Justice has been steadfast in its commitment to justice and accountability.
Following the recommendations of the TRRC, we have collaborated with international
partners to ensure that those responsible for past atrocities are held accountable. “Over the years, we have provided assistance to investigators and prosecutors from the United States Department of Justice in the case of Mr. Correa. Correa's conviction is a testament to these efforts and serves as a beacon of hope for victims and their families.”
The Government of The Gambia extends its profound gratitude on behalf of the victims and the people of The Gambia to the Government of the United States for its unwavering commitment to justice.
We also commend the formidable female-led prosecuting team whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving this outcome. Their work exemplifies the power of international cooperation in upholding human rights and the rule of law. This conviction sends a clear message: perpetrators of human rights abuses will find no safe
Government The Gambia unwavering commitment
preservation of the rule of law and the assurance of justice for all victims of former President Jammeh.”
To this end, we are working on establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor to commence trials for crimes investigated by the TRRC.”
