A Quiet Face in Court: Correa’s Chilling Stillness During Torture Trial

Michael Correa middle right and Tamsir Jasseh testifying © Robyn Cochran-Ragland/CJA

By Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT

Denver, Colorado — 15th April 2025

Walking into the courtroom, unrecognisable from his widely circulated clean-shaven photos on the internet, Michael Sang Correa was dressed in a suit and white shirt during the first hearing of his landmark torture trial in the United States on 7th April 2025.

At the start of the trial it took some time to summon Correa, but he eventually appeared after Judge Christine Arguello insisted on his appearance. Replacing his bald head was a shaved set of dreadlocks tied with a string, accompanied by chrome-accented black glasses. Complete with a beard streaked with white down the middle, this new version of Correa remained quiet and showed very little emotion throughout the hearing—much like how some of his victims described him during their testimonies.

Perhaps the only discernible emotion Correa displayed was when an audio recording of his confession to torturing the now-deceased Pierre Mendy was played. It is important to note that one of the stipulated facts of the case is that “Pierre Mendy died in approximately August 2021 in The Gambia of natural causes.” Mendy is central to one of the torture charges brought against Correa.

Michael Correa middle and Pharing Sanyang testifying © Robyn Cochran-Ragland/CJA

On the final day of cross-examination, an audio recording was played in which Correa was heard crying as he recounted how Mendy—who was from the same Manjago tribe— allegedly gave him permission to carry out orders to torture him. Correa claimed that he eventually tortured Mendy after being intimidated by his commander, Tumbul Tamba.

If found guilty of conspiracy to commit torture and the torture of five victims—namely, Yaya Darboe, Tamsir Jasseh, Demba Dem, Pharing Sanyang, and Pierre Mendy—Correa could face a sentence of up to 120 years, with 20 years per count. The jury is currently deliberating, and a verdict is expected at any time.

During the trial, no cameras were allowed inside. Instead, sketches were the only visuals circulated from inside the courtroom. On subsequent days of the trial, Correa wore a black suit with a blue shirt and red tie.

Michael Correa middle and Homeland Security Investigator Barton Garrisson testifying © Robyn Cochran-Ragland/CJA

He continued to remain composed throughout the proceedings, occasionally glancing toward the prosecutors when they pointed at him and asserted that he had chosen to torture his victims. There were no outbursts or attempts to hide his face.

One notable observation was his apparent indifference to the testimony of Ebou Jarjue, a former cook for ex-President Jammeh. Jarjue testified that he served Correa and other Junglers during grill parties at the State House, which took place in the aftermath of the failed Ndure Cham coup in March 2006. During victim testimonies, Correa often glared at the witnesses and showed little to no remorse. He also appeared to glare at the audience and, at times, even seemed to stare directly at me. Other colleagues who travelled with me to observe the trial made similar observations.

Michael Correa middle and Prosecutor delivering closing statements © Robyn Cochran-Ragland/CJA

He showed even less remorse during the testimony of non-Gambian witnesses and appeared somewhat worried on the final day of the trial, as prosecutors repeatedly emphasised that he neither denied torturing his victims nor claimed he acted under specific duress. They asserted that he committed the acts voluntarily, with zeal.

Throughout the hearing, photos of Correa’s victims were shown in court—some depicting burns from melted plastic bags, others showing various injuries. Correa appeared unmoved as these images were presented and submitted as evidence.

Needless to say, this publication is an opinion piece and should be treated as such, given that cameras were not permitted during the trial. This article was written in response to public queries regarding how Michael Sang Correa reacted during his trial.

Below are links to previous publications on the Michael Correa trial.

Landmark U.S. Trial Against Alleged Jungler Michael Sang Correa Nears Verdict

Yaya Darboe’s Harrowing Testimony Reveals Correa’s Brutal Torture Techniques

Michael Correa’s First Torture Victim Identifies Him in Court

Prosecutor and Defense Put Up Vivid Opening Statements on Landmark Correa Torture Trial

U.S. Court Opens First-Ever Universal Jurisdiction Trial Against Non-Citizen for Torture