The Torture Commander as a Refugee (Swiss Press Video 2018, by Franziska Ramser) - Swiss Press Award
Rundschau, Schweizer Fernsehen
Franziska Ramser
«A suspected criminal against international law has been living in the country for nearly two and a half months, unchallenged». The Rund-schau reveals that the former Minister of the Interior for The Gambia, Ousman Sonko, has fled to Switzerland, where he lives in a Bernese transition centre for asylum seekers. Sonko once belonged to the innermost leadership circle of a repressive regime that did not shy away from torture and murder. It is only after the investigative programme is broadcast, that the authorities recognize the explosive potential of the case and take action: Sonko is arrested and placed in pre-trial custody. As a result of the programme, there is speculation about a possible extradition request by the new, democratically elected government of The Gambia. However, one year after the criminal investigation is taken up by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, it becomes apparent that the trial will in fact take place in Switzerland.
Interview with Franziska Ramser
