The Dakar Criminal Court has postponed its verdict in the case involving the alleged falsification of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s signature, where Khardiata Tandian stands accused. Initially scheduled for July 9, 2026, the ruling has now been deferred until July 23, 2026, due to the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the suspected accomplice of the defendant.
The court also rejected Khardiata Tandian’s application for provisional release. Despite her legal team’s arguments that she meets all criteria for such a measure—including being detained for over a year, married, and a mother to a young child—the request was turned down. Her defense emphasized that time already served might cover potential penalties and that further imprisonment would severely disrupt her social standing. However, these pleas failed to sway the court’s decision.
The prosecution strongly opposed her release, warning that Khardiata Tandian’s temporary freedom could destabilize public order and that she did not provide sufficient assurances of returning for trial. Although her lawyers contended there was no risk of witness intimidation since she had already testified in court, the tribunal ultimately sided with the prosecution’s stance. As a result, the defendant remains in detention pending the resolution of the case.