The Dakar criminal court has postponed its verdict in the case involving the alleged forgery of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s signature, involving Khardiata Tandian, until July 23, 2026. Initially scheduled for July 9, 2026, the hearing was delayed after the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the alleged accomplice of the defendant.
The court also denied the defendant’s request for provisional release. Her legal team argued that she met all necessary conditions for such a measure, emphasizing that she has been held in pre-trial detention for over a year, is married, and has a young child. The defense further pointed out that the time already served could potentially cover the maximum penalty, and further incarceration would severely disrupt her social life.
However, the prosecution strongly opposed her release, claiming that Khardiata Tandian’s release would pose a public order risk and that she did not provide sufficient guarantees of appearing in court. Despite the defense’s counterargument that there was no risk of witness intimidation since she had already testified, the court sided with the prosecution’s stance. As a result, the defendant remains in custody pending the final resolution of the case.
