Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
BANJUL, Gambia (AP) — For more than two decades people in Gambia knew life was deeply troubled under dictator Yahya Jammeh, who fled into exile nearly three years ago after a surprise election loss.
Now Gambians have proof, in the form of heart-wrenching testimonies by abuse perpetrators and victims that have been nationally broadcast all year.
Authorities say the goal is to help the West African nation heal.
The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission is attempting to unearth and record the horrors that occurred in the shadows of Jammeh's 22-year rule.
Experts say it is likely that Jammeh's prosecution will be recommended.
Many Gambians have been moved by the stories of victims including a former beauty pageant winner who told the commission she was raped by Jammeh and suffered deep humiliation.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
