The Dakar Criminal Court has deferred its final ruling in the significant case concerning the alleged falsification of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s signature. The deliberation, which involves Khardiata Tandian, is now scheduled for July 23, 2026. The initial judgment date, set for Thursday, July 9, 2026, was postponed due to the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the co-accused in this ongoing legal matter.
In conjunction with this postponement, the court firmly denied the defendant’s request for provisional release. Khardiata Tandian’s legal representative argued extensively, though unsuccessfully, that their client fulfilled all necessary criteria for such a measure. They emphasized her continuous pre-trial detention for over a year, her marital status, and her role as a mother. Furthermore, the defense posited that the potential sentence could already be covered by her time spent in custody, and that prolonged incarceration would severely deteriorate her social standing.
The prosecution vehemently opposed her release, contending that Khardiata Tandian’s freedom would disrupt public order and that she failed to provide sufficient guarantees of her future appearance in court. Despite the defense’s rebuttal that there was no risk of witness tampering, given that the accused had already provided her testimony, the tribunal ultimately aligned with the public prosecutor’s recommendations. Consequently, the defendant remains in detention as the legal proceedings continue towards a final resolution.
In conjunction with this postponement, the court firmly denied the defendant’s request for provisional release. Khardiata Tandian’s legal representative argued extensively, though unsuccessfully, that their client fulfilled all necessary criteria for such a measure. They emphasized her continuous pre-trial detention for over a year, her marital status, and her role as a mother. Furthermore, the defense posited that the potential sentence could already be covered by her time spent in custody, and that prolonged incarceration would severely deteriorate her social standing.
The prosecution vehemently opposed her release, contending that Khardiata Tandian’s freedom would disrupt public order and that she failed to provide sufficient guarantees of her future appearance in court. Despite the defense’s rebuttal that there was no risk of witness tampering, given that the accused had already provided her testimony, the tribunal ultimately aligned with the public prosecutor’s recommendations. Consequently, the defendant remains in detention as the legal proceedings continue towards a final resolution.