The Dakar criminal court has postponed the verdict in the case involving the alleged falsification of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko‘s signature, involving Khardiata Tandian, until July 23, 2026. Originally scheduled for July 9, 2026, the hearing was adjourned after the court failed to locate Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the alleged accomplice of the defendant.
During the session, the court also denied Khardiata Tandian‘s request for provisional release. Despite her lawyer’s arguments that she met all legal criteria for release—citing her over-a-year-long pretrial detention, her status as a married mother, and the possibility that her time served could already cover potential penalties—the defense’s pleas were dismissed. The lawyer emphasized that further incarceration would severely disrupt her social and family life.
The prosecution strongly contested the release, asserting that Khardiata Tandian‘s freedom would pose a risk to public order and that she did not provide sufficient assurances of returning for trial. Although the defense countered that there was no threat of witness tampering, given that Khardiata Tandian had already testified, the court ultimately sided with the prosecution’s stance. As a result, the defendant remains in custody pending the final resolution of the case.
