Dakar tribunal maintains detention of Khardiata Tandian in forged signature case
The Dakar Criminal Court has postponed its verdict in the case involving the alleged falsification of Ousmane Sonko’s signature, with the new hearing set for July 23, 2026. The initial judgment, originally scheduled for July 9, 2026, was delayed due to the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the suspected accomplice in the alleged scheme.
During the hearing, the defense team argued vigorously for the release of their client, Khardiata Tandian, emphasizing her prolonged pretrial detention—now exceeding a year—as well as her family responsibilities as a married woman and mother. Their plea highlighted that the time already served could potentially cover any future sentence, and further incarceration would severely disrupt her personal and social stability.
The prosecution, however, firmly contested the bail request, citing concerns over public order and the risk of Khardiata Tandian evading judicial proceedings. Despite the defense’s assertion that there was no threat of witness tampering—given that the accused had already testified in court—the tribunal sided with the prosecution’s arguments. As a result, Khardiata Tandian remains in custody pending the final resolution of the case.
