By Sadia
A U.S. federal court in Denver yesterday sentenced former Gambian Jungler Michael Sang Correa to 67 years and six months in prison for torture linked to the March 2006 failed coup in The Gambia.
Convicted in April on six counts, Correa’s sentencing was shaped not only by the law but also by the powerful testimonies of his victims.
Eleven survivors gave impact statements, some in court, others via video, describing brutal arrests, torture, and lasting trauma.
They also suggested what they felt would be a fair punishment, ranging from 20 years to life.Prosecutors had requested 120 years, but Judge Christine Aguellor dismissed the figure as “meaningless in the real world,” noting that life expectancy made such numbers “just for drama.”
She instead imposed 135 months for each of the six counts, to be served consecutively.Correa’s lawyer, Matthew Belcher, argued the ruling was excessive, pointing out that former Interior Minister Ousman Sonko was given 20 years in Switzerland despite holding a higher position.
He insisted Correa, only 21 at the time, acted under orders and should not be compared to others convicted of more severe crimes.In court, Correa appeared subdued and tearful, apologizing for his crimes.
“I sincerely apologise from my heart. I am sorry for my involvement and actions causing physical harm, I take full responsibility,” he said, before pleading with the judge for mercy.
He added that his family in The Gambia face harassment and his children dropped out of school after being labeled as the offspring of “a monster, a torturer.”Despite his plea, the court upheld the sentence.
Nearly two decades after the foiled coup, Correa will spend most of his life behind bars, thousands of miles away from where his crimes were committed, but with the voices of his victims finally heard.
