Swiss authorities probe former Gambian Minister

The Gambia's former Interior Minister who applied for asylum in Switzerland is being investigated for possible crimes against humanity committed in his homeland, Swiss federal prosecutors said. The Attorney-General's office confirmed last week that it is taking over an investigation initially launched by regional authorities in Bern because crimes against humanity would be international offences that fall under federal jurisdiction. A report on the Voice of America site notes that watchdog group Trial International last month called for an investigation into whether Ousman Sonko had any role in crimes, including assault, coercion and false imprisonment during the 22-year rule of Yahya Jammeh. Sonko applied for asylum in Switzerland on 10 November and was taken into custody on 28 January.