The Dakar Magistrates’ Court has deferred its ruling in the falsification of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s signature case involving Khardiata Tandian until July 23, 2026. Initially scheduled for July 9, 2026, the verdict was postponed due to the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the alleged accomplice of the accused.
The court also rejected Khardiata Tandian’s application for provisional release. Her attorney argued that she met all legal criteria for such a measure, citing her prolonged preventive detention exceeding a year, her married status, and her role as a mother. The defense further contended that the time already served could effectively cover any potential sentence, and further imprisonment would severely disrupt her family and social standing.
The prosecution strongly opposed the release, asserting that Khardiata Tandian’s freedom would pose a threat to public order and that she could not guarantee her presence throughout the trial. Despite the defense’s counterargument that no risk of witness intimidation existed since the accused had already testified, the tribunal sided with the prosecution’s stance. As a result, Khardiata Tandian remains in custody pending the final resolution of the case.
