Gambiaj.com – (Denver, USA) – Former Gambian soldier and member of the notorious “Junglers” hit squad, Michael Sang Correa, 45, is standing trial in a U.S. federal court in Denver this week, accused of committing torture during the dictatorship of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh. This marks the first time a non-U.S. citizen is being tried in the United States for torture allegedly committed on foreign soil.

The 10-day jury trial commenced on Monday in U.S. District Court in Denver under Judge Arguello. Initial proceedings began without Correa present, prompting the judge to insist on his appearance. Correa eventually entered the courtroom, dressed in a black suit and white shirt, sporting dreadlocks, glasses, and a partially white beard, a stark contrast to older images of him.

Correa sat alongside his four-member defense team, while a five-member prosecution team stood opposite them. Judge Arguello granted the prosecution’s motion to dismiss one count of the indictment, specifically related to the alleged torture of then-captain of the Gambia Armed Forces, Bunja Darboe, in 2006. Despite this dismissal, Correa still faces one count of conspiracy to commit torture and six counts of inflicting torture on specific victims.

Prosecutors accuse Correa of torturing at least six individuals over several months in 2006 while serving in the “Junglers,” a special unit within the Gambian armed forces that reportedly answered directly to then-President Jammeh. If convicted on all counts, Correa could face up to 20 years in prison for each charge.

The trial is being closely monitored by international human rights organizations and is generating significant interest across The Gambia, where victims and their families hope for accountability for the alleged atrocities committed during Jammeh’s rule.

The selection of the 12-member jury, with two alternates on standby, took place on Monday, with both the prosecution and defense having the opportunity to challenge potential jurors from a pool of 75.

This case is significant as it underscores the increasing trend of national courts utilizing universal jurisdiction laws to pursue cases involving the commission of international crimes abroad, regardless of where the crimes occurred or the nationality of the perpetrator or victims. The outcome of this trial in Denver could set a precedent for future cases involving alleged human rights abuses committed overseas.

With Askanwi.com