The correctional court in Dakar has postponed its verdict in the case involving the forgery of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s signature, which implicates Khardiata Tandian. Initially scheduled for July 9, 2026, the ruling has been rescheduled to July 23, 2026, due to the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the alleged accomplice of the defendant.
The presiding judge also rejected Khardiata Tandian’s request for provisional release. Her legal team argued that she met all the criteria 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 contended that the time already served could potentially cover any future sentence, and that continued incarceration would severely impact her social standing.
The prosecution strongly opposed her release, asserting that Khardiata Tandian’s release could disrupt public order and that she did not provide sufficient assurances of appearing in court. Although the defense countered that there was no risk of witness intimidation since the defendant had already testified, the court sided with the prosecution’s arguments. Consequently, Khardiata Tandian remains in custody pending the resolution of the case.
