Universal Jurisdiction

Universal jurisdiction is a legal principle that allows states to prosecute an individual accused of international crimes, regardless of where the alleged crime took place or the accused’s or victim’s nationality.

Following Bai Lowe’s conviction in November 2023, Ousman Sonko was prosecuted in May 2024. Next, Michael Correa is scheduled to face prosecution in the United States on 7th April 2025.

Michael Correa USA Trial - Updates

⚖️Judge Arguello Denies Michael Correa's Motion for Acquittal

14th April 2025, Denver, Colorado — In a major development, Judge Christine Arguello has denied both the Defense’s motion for acquittal and the Prosecution’s motion to eliminate Jury Instruction 25, which allows jurors to consider whether Michael Correa acted under duress or was coerced into torturing his victims.

Today's proceedings began with the cross-examination of Barton Garrison, a Homeland Security Investigations agent. Garrison presented audio recordings in which Correa allegedly confessed to torturing Pierre Mendy.

Following this testimony, prosecutors rested their case. Interestingly, the Defense chose not to cross-examine Correa.

The Defense then moved for an acquittal, arguing that the Prosecution failed to meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Judge Arguello, however, dismissed the motion, allowing the case to proceed.

The trial is moving swiftly. Closing arguments from both sides are expected soon, after which the jury will receive final instructions.

For more information, read the full article here.

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

United States Judge Christine Arguello demanded the appearance of Michael Sang Correa on the first day of his landmark trial in the United States. This case marks the first time a non-U.S. citizen is being tried in the country for acts of torture under the principles of Universal Jurisdiction.

The trial began with what appeared to be good news for the defence. Judge Arguello granted the prosecution’s motion to dismiss Count Five of the indictment, leaving the defence with six charges to contend with.

For more information, read the full article here.

News
U.S. DOJ: If You Commit Violent Crimes Do Not Come to the United States
United States, Transitional Justice, Universal Jurisdiction, Michael Correa, Press Release, Jungler, TRRC
U.S. DOJ: If You Commit Violent Crimes Do Not Come to the United States
United States, Transitional Justice, Universal Jurisdiction, Michael Correa, Press Release, Jungler, TRRC

The United States Department of Justice issued a statement on the conviction of alleged former Jungler Michael Sang Correa for torturing five of his victims on 15th April 2025. More in the presser.

United States, Transitional Justice, Universal Jurisdiction, Michael Correa, Press Release, Jungler, TRRC
A Quiet Face in Court: Correa’s Chilling Stillness During Torture Trial
Michael Correa, Universal Jurisdiction, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, TRRC, Jungler, Court, United States
A Quiet Face in Court: Correa’s Chilling Stillness During Torture Trial
Michael Correa, Universal Jurisdiction, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, TRRC, Jungler, Court, United States

Michael Sang Correa, once a member of The Gambia’s feared Junglers, appeared almost unrecognisable as he walked into a U.S. courtroom on 7th April 2025 for the opening of his landmark torture trial. Dressed in a suit, with dreadlocks and a streaked beard, Correa remained largely emotionless as victims recounted harrowing stories of abuse allegedly committed under his custody. More in the article.

Michael Correa, Universal Jurisdiction, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, TRRC, Jungler, Court, United States
Landmark U.S. Trial Against Alleged Jungler Michael Sang Correa Nears Verdict
Michael Correa, Jungler, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Universal Jurisdiction, TRRC, United States
Landmark U.S. Trial Against Alleged Jungler Michael Sang Correa Nears Verdict
Michael Correa, Jungler, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Universal Jurisdiction, TRRC, United States

DENVER, 14th April 2025 - Nearly two decades after a failed coup shook The Gambia, a U.S. courtroom may soon decide the fate of Michael Sang Correa, an alleged enforcer for former dictator Yahya Jammeh, accused of brutal torture in a case now in the hands of a jury. More in the report.

Michael Correa, Jungler, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Universal Jurisdiction, TRRC, United States
Yaya Darboe’s Harrowing Testimony Reveals Correa’s Brutal Torture Techniques
Michael Correa, United States, Universal Jurisdiction, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, TRRC, Jungler
Yaya Darboe’s Harrowing Testimony Reveals Correa’s Brutal Torture Techniques
Michael Correa, United States, Universal Jurisdiction, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, TRRC, Jungler

DENVER, 9th April 2025 - In a gripping and emotional testimony delivered in a Denver courtroom, Gambian army officer Yaya Darboe recounted the brutal torture he endured at the hands of Correa and the notorious Junglers. Darboe, a Lieutenant Colonel then, identified defendant Michael Sang Correa as one of the men who burnt him with plastic, beat him unconscious, and laughed as he was hoisted and dropped in a sack—acts he described as unthinkable from someone he once knew as a disciplined soldier. More in the report.

Michael Correa, United States, Universal Jurisdiction, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, TRRC, Jungler
Michael Correa’s First Torture Victim Identifies Him in Court
Universal Jurisdiction, Michael Correa, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, TRRC, United States, Jungler
Michael Correa’s First Torture Victim Identifies Him in Court
Universal Jurisdiction, Michael Correa, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, TRRC, United States, Jungler

DENVER, 8th April 2025 — In a gripping courtroom moment that brought decades-old atrocities into sharp focus, Michael Sang Correa was directly identified by his alleged first torture victim during testimony in a U.S. federal court. The witness, Alieu Jobe, recounted years of brutal abuse under the regime of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, marking a pivotal moment in a landmark human rights trial that seeks justice for the victims of state-sponsored torture in The Gambia. More in the report.

Universal Jurisdiction, Michael Correa, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, TRRC, United States, Jungler
Prosecutor and Defense Put Up Vivid Opening Statements on Landmark Correa Torture Trial
Michael Correa, Universal Jurisdiction, United States, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, TRRC, Jungler
Prosecutor and Defense Put Up Vivid Opening Statements on Landmark Correa Torture Trial
Michael Correa, Universal Jurisdiction, United States, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, TRRC, Jungler

DENVER, 8th April 2025 — In a historic trial drawing international attention, federal prosecutors and defense attorneys delivered powerful and contrasting opening statements in the case against Michael Sang Correa, a former member of The Gambia’s notorious Junglers unit, accused of torturing six men in the aftermath of a failed 2006 coup. As courtroom drama unfolded on the second day, both sides laid out vivid narratives of guilt and survival, setting the stage for a trial that will revisit one of West Africa’s darkest political chapters through the lens of American justice. More in the report.

Michael Correa, Universal Jurisdiction, United States, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, TRRC, Jungler
U.S. Court Opens First-Ever Universal Jurisdiction Trial Against Non-Citizen for Torture
Michael Correa, Jungler, Universal Jurisdiction, United States, The Gambia, Legal
U.S. Court Opens First-Ever Universal Jurisdiction Trial Against Non-Citizen for Torture
Michael Correa, Jungler, Universal Jurisdiction, United States, The Gambia, Legal

DENVER, 7th April 2025 - In a historic human rights case, the United States has begun the trial of Michael Sang Correa, a former Gambian paramilitary officer, marking the first time a non-U.S. citizen is being prosecuted on American soil for acts of torture under the principle of universal jurisdiction. More in the report.

Michael Correa, Jungler, Universal Jurisdiction, United States, The Gambia, Legal
Alleged Gambian Death Squad Member to Stand Trial for Torture in Denver, Colorado
Trial International, United States, Universal Jurisdiction, TRRC, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Press Release, Michael Correa
Alleged Gambian Death Squad Member to Stand Trial for Torture in Denver, Colorado
Trial International, United States, Universal Jurisdiction, TRRC, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Press Release, Michael Correa

Michael Sang Correa, an alleged member of a Gambian death squad, is scheduled to stand trial for torture starting on April 7, 2025. This marks the first time a non-U.S. citizen will stand trial in a U.S. federal court for torture committed abroad. More in the press release.

Trial International, United States, Universal Jurisdiction, TRRC, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Press Release, Michael Correa

Who is Former Jungler Michael Correa Set to Face Trial in the US?

The Italian Mafia who Trained the Junglers: Inside the Mentality of the Junglers

Ousman Sonko Switzerland Trial

Ousman Sonko was the former Interior Minister and close accomplish of former President Yahya Jammeh. He is the highest profile conviction of a former government official under the Universal Jurisdiction principles. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a court in Switzerland on 15th May 2024.

News
Victim Center Welcomes Ousman Sonko’s Conviction
Ousman Sonko, Universal Jurisdiction, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Press Release
Victim Center Welcomes Ousman Sonko’s Conviction
Ousman Sonko, Universal Jurisdiction, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Press Release

The Victim Center released this statement welcoming the sentencing of Ousman Sonko by a court in Switzerland.

Ousman Sonko, Universal Jurisdiction, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Press Release
Ousman Sonko Sentenced to 20 Years by Swiss Court for Jammeh Era Crimes
Ousman Sonko, Universal Jurisdiction, Transportation, Human Rights, Press Release
Ousman Sonko Sentenced to 20 Years by Swiss Court for Jammeh Era Crimes
Ousman Sonko, Universal Jurisdiction, Transportation, Human Rights, Press Release

The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland and private claimants against Ousman SONKO issued this press release announcing his conviction for crimes against humanity.

Ousman Sonko, Universal Jurisdiction, Transportation, Human Rights, Press Release
Former Gambian Minister to Face Swiss Courts for Jammeh Era Crimes
Human Rights, Ousman Sonko, Transitional Justice, Universal Jurisdiction
Former Gambian Minister to Face Swiss Courts for Jammeh Era Crimes
Human Rights, Ousman Sonko, Transitional Justice, Universal Jurisdiction

Ousman Sonko was the former Interior Minister and an active accomplish of the former dictatorship of former President Yahya Jammeh. This story details his indictments according to the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission report.

Human Rights, Ousman Sonko, Transitional Justice, Universal Jurisdiction
Feature Publications
FactSheet: Ousman Sonko’s Swiss Justice Cost Over D268.8 Million
FactSheet, Transitional Justice, Ousman Sonko, Universal Jurisdication, Switzerland
FactSheet: Ousman Sonko’s Swiss Justice Cost Over D268.8 Million
FactSheet, Transitional Justice, Ousman Sonko, Universal Jurisdication, Switzerland

A Swiss Court sentenced former Interior Minister, Ousman Sonko, to 20 years in prison on 15th May 2024 making him the most high-profile conviction of a senior government official under Universal Jurisdiction in Europe.

FactSheet, Transitional Justice, Ousman Sonko, Universal Jurisdication, Switzerland

Bai Lowe Germany Trial

Former Jungler Driver, Bai Lowe was the first individual convicted for crimes against humanity under the principles of Universal Jurisdiction in Germany Celle on 30th November 2024 for crimes committed in The Gambia.

News
The Jungler and the Journalist: Bai Lowe’s Freedom Newspaper Assassination Confession
Bai Lowe, Jungler, Universal Jurisdiction, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Deyda Hydara
The Jungler and the Journalist: Bai Lowe’s Freedom Newspaper Assassination Confession
Bai Lowe, Jungler, Universal Jurisdiction, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Deyda Hydara

Former Jungler Driver Bai Lowe was convicted to life in prison by a German Court in Celle for his role in the killing of three victims including former Veteran Journalist Deyda Hydara.

Bai Lowe, Jungler, Universal Jurisdiction, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Deyda Hydara
GPU Welcomes Sentencing of Bai Lowe for Murder of Deyda Hydara
Bai Lowe, Gambia Press Union, Transitional Justice, Press Release, Human Rights, Universal Jurisdiction, Jungler
GPU Welcomes Sentencing of Bai Lowe for Murder of Deyda Hydara
Bai Lowe, Gambia Press Union, Transitional Justice, Press Release, Human Rights, Universal Jurisdiction, Jungler

The Gambia Press Union issued a press release on the 30th of November 2023 on the conviction of former Jungler Driver Bai Lowe who was involved in the killing of former veteran journalist Deyda Hydara.

Bai Lowe, Gambia Press Union, Transitional Justice, Press Release, Human Rights, Universal Jurisdiction, Jungler
MoJ Commends German Court’s Life Conviction of Bai Lowe
Press Release, Bai Lowe, Universal Jurisdiction, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Jungler, Ministry of Justice
MoJ Commends German Court’s Life Conviction of Bai Lowe
Press Release, Bai Lowe, Universal Jurisdiction, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Jungler, Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice issued a statement commending the German Court for convicting former Jungler Driver, Bai Lowe to life in prison for crimes against humanity.

Press Release, Bai Lowe, Universal Jurisdiction, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Jungler, Ministry of Justice
Former Jungler Driver, Bai Lowe German Trial FAQs
Bai Lowe, FAQ, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Universal Jurisdiction, Press Release, Jungler
Former Jungler Driver, Bai Lowe German Trial FAQs
Bai Lowe, FAQ, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Universal Jurisdiction, Press Release, Jungler

A group of Civil Society Organisations have issued a press release featuring some frequently asked questions and answers on the trial of former Jungler Driver Bai Lowe facing prosecution in Germany.

Bai Lowe, FAQ, Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Universal Jurisdiction, Press Release, Jungler
Germany: Verdict in Gambia Atrocity Case
Bai Lowe, Universal Jurisdiction, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Jungler, Press Release
Germany: Verdict in Gambia Atrocity Case
Bai Lowe, Universal Jurisdiction, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Jungler, Press Release

Human Rights Watch released a statement on the verdict of former Jungler Driver Bai Lowe who was convicted to life in prison for human rights atrocities in The Gambia.

Bai Lowe, Universal Jurisdiction, Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Jungler, Press Release

Featured Publications

The Italian Mafia who Trained the Junglers: Inside the Mentality of the Junglers