A Gambian lawmaker has expressed optimism of ex-president Yahya Jammeh facing prosecution over alleged crimes committed during 22 years of iron fist rule.

Madi Ceesay, a national assembly for Serrekunda West, made the remarks yesterday after the conviction of former Jammeh-era minister Ousman Sonko in Switzerland. 

Sonko was jailed for 20 years after being found guilty by a Swiss Court for “intentional homicide, false imprisonment and torture”.

Mr Ceesay, a former journalist who was also a victim of the Jammeh regime, said Sonko’s conviction was a glimmer of hope for him and other victims. 

“I have been waiting for this for over 17 years since my rights were trampled on by Jammeh dictatorship and his enablers, particularly Ousman Sonko, who was the Inspector General of Police at the time.

“I am very much optimistic that (Yahya) Jammeh who is the biggest fish of all the atrocities from 1996 to 2016 will soon face trial,” he said.

Meanwhile, a cross section of Gambians especially Jammeh-era victims and human rights campaigners have welcomed the sentencing of Sonko. 

“It’s a beacon of hope for justice for victims of Jammeh and his accomplices,” they said. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba