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

Alfred A. Arraj United States Courthouse in Denver, where the trial of Michael Correa is taking place © Askanwi Media

By Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT

Denver, Colorado — 14th April 2025

The landmark trial in which the United States is prosecuting alleged former Jungler Michael Sang Correa for the torture of five victims has entered its final phase. Today, 14th April 2025, both the prosecution and the defence delivered their closing arguments, after which the 12-member jury received their instructions and were sent to begin deliberations.

Correa is accused of being a member of the Junglers, a notorious paramilitary unit that, according to The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), was responsible for the assassination of political opponents of former President Yahya Jammeh. While this trial focuses specifically on torture, the TRRC has implicated Correa in the deaths of at least 11 individuals.

Related Story: Former Jungler Accused of Killing 11 People to Face Trial in the United States

In this case, Correa faces one count of conspiracy to commit torture and five separate counts of torture. The alleged victims—primarily security officers at the time—include Yaya Darboe, Tamsir Jasseh, Pierre Mendy, Pharing Sanyang, and the sole civilian, former National Assembly member Demba Dem. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

The jury must also consider whether Correa acted under duress during the alleged crimes. This defence must be proven to a lesser standard—on the preponderance of the evidence—meaning it is more likely than not.

The events under scrutiny trace back to the aftermath of the failed March 2006 coup led by former Chief of Defence Staff Ndure Cham. A sweeping crackdown followed, targeting security officers and civilians accused of involvement. Court testimonies have revealed that many of the accused were arrested, tortured into confessions, and sentenced to over nine years in prison.

The trial began on 7th April 2025, presided over by Judge Christine Arguello. One charge, involving the alleged torture of Gambia Armed Forces member Bunja Darboe, was dismissed without prejudice. Jury selection followed shortly after.

On the second day, three witnesses testified, including expert witness Professor Maggie Dwyer; Alieu Jobe, then an official at the Accountant General’s office who claims Correa tortured him; and Yaya Darboe, then a lieutenant colonel in the Gambian military. Darboe described being brutally tortured by Correa, who allegedly beat him with sticks and branches, and dropped him from a height while he was hoisted inside a sack.

On the third day, the defence cross-examined Darboe, who said he had once trained Correa. That day also featured disturbing testimonies from Sainey Bayo and Demba Dem. Special Agent Matthew Gifford presented evidence detailing how Correa was tracked down. He also referenced a now-deceased victim, Pierre Mendy, who remains central to one of the torture charges.

Testimony continued on the fourth day with statements from Pharing Sanyang, former commander of the State Guard responsible for presidential security; Ebou Jarjue, a cook and waiter for the President; Tamsir Jasseh, former Director General of Immigration; and Barton Garrison, a Homeland Security special agent who investigated Correa.

Sanyang told the court he refused multiple orders from Jammeh to assassinate journalist Deyda Hydara and was nearly killed in a staged car accident as a result. He described being electrocuted, stabbed with a bayonet, and having a sack of sand placed on his back—torture methods that were echoed in testimonies from other victims.

Following the cross-examination of the final witness, Special Agent Garrison, today—Monday, 14th April 2025—both the prosecution and defence rested their cases. Correa did not testify in his own defence. The defence then filed a motion to dismiss the case on grounds of insufficient evidence, which the judge denied. Jury instructions were read, and the panel was sent to deliberate.

While a verdict could come as early as tomorrow, the timeline remains uncertain.

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

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