By Mustapha Jallow
Michael Sang Correa’s defence lawyer, Jared Westbroek, presented a compelling argument during his opening statements on Tuesday, claiming that his client, a low-ranking officer in the notorious “Junglers” paramilitary group, had no choice but to follow orders out of fear for his own life.
Westbroek emphasized to jurors that Correa, a former member of the Gambia Army, could have faced severe punishment, including torture or even death, if he had disobeyed his superiors. He argued that the Junglers lived in constant fear, where betrayal or suspicion from fellow members often led to swift retribution, including execution.
Correa, 45, is facing six counts of torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture related to the brutal treatment of individuals suspected of plotting to overthrow then-president Yahya Jammeh in 2006. Allegations against him include beatings, suffocation with plastic bags, and electric shocks. However, one charge was dropped at the start of the trial after a key witness was unable to travel to the U.S. to testify in Denver.
As the third individual and the first foreign national to be prosecuted in the United States for committing torture abroad, Correa’s case has drawn significant attention. Westbroek maintained that the constant threats within the Jungler unit left Correa with little room to refuse participation in torture, nor to make independent decisions about joining a conspiracy.
He pointed out that a widely-known saying within the Gambia Army was “comply now and complain later,” a philosophy that particularly targeted junior soldiers. Westbroek argued that Correa, as a low-ranking soldier, was conditioned to follow orders without question, echoing the deeply entrenched culture of obedience in the military.
“Following an order is not the same as making an agreement,” Westbroek told the jury. “It is hard for Americans who live in a ‘very blessed country’ with freedom to understand Correa’s situation.”
On the other hand, prosecutor Marie Zisa from the Justice Department reminded jurors of the severity of Correa’s alleged actions. She pointed out that the victims of his alleged torture had not forgotten the cruelty they endured despite the passage of time.
Zisa detailed the horrific treatment some victims suffered, including one soldier who was stuffed into a bag, hoisted into the air, and then dropped to the ground. She also described the gruesome torture that many victims faced both before and after being interrogated by a panel investigating the 2006 coup attempt.
Zisa’s argument was further bolstered by testimony from the prosecution’s first witness, Maggie Dwyer, a senior lecturer in African Studies and International Development at the University of Edinburgh. Dwyer provided context about the Gambia’s history, from its independence in 1965 to Jammeh’s brutal 22-year rule, during which the Junglers committed numerous human rights abuses.
Correa was a key member of the Junglers, a paramilitary group established by Jammeh in 1994. The group became infamous for its involvement in extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, sexual violence, and other atrocities throughout Jammeh’s rule.
As the trial continues, the stark contrast between Correa’s claims of coercion and the prosecution’s account of his brutal actions remains at the heart of the proceedings.
