The Dakar Criminal Court has once again postponed its final judgment in the high-profile case involving Khardiata Tandian, accused of falsifying the signature of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Initially slated for Thursday, July 9, 2026, the verdict is now anticipated on July 23, 2026.
The court cited the continued absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as Khardiata Tandian’s alleged accomplice, as the reason for this latest delay.
Adding to the day’s proceedings, the court also dismissed the request for provisional release filed on behalf of the accused. Defense counsel argued passionately that Khardiata Tandian met all criteria for such a measure. «She has been held in detention for over a year,» her lawyer emphasized. «The potential sentence could very well be covered by her pre-trial incarceration. She is a married woman and a mother. Every additional day she spends imprisoned further deteriorates her social standing.»
The prosecution, however, vigorously opposed the plea, asserting that Khardiata Tandian’s release would disrupt public order. Furthermore, the prosecutor contended that the defendant lacked adequate guarantees to ensure her appearance in court.
Countering this, the defense maintained there was no risk of witness intimidation or any threat to public peace. They highlighted that Khardiata Tandian had already testified, making any distortion of facts impossible.
Aligning with the public prosecutor’s recommendations, the court ultimately denied Khardiata Tandian’s request for provisional release. She will therefore remain in custody pending the final deliberation, now scheduled for July 23, 2026.
The court cited the continued absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as Khardiata Tandian’s alleged accomplice, as the reason for this latest delay.
Adding to the day’s proceedings, the court also dismissed the request for provisional release filed on behalf of the accused. Defense counsel argued passionately that Khardiata Tandian met all criteria for such a measure. «She has been held in detention for over a year,» her lawyer emphasized. «The potential sentence could very well be covered by her pre-trial incarceration. She is a married woman and a mother. Every additional day she spends imprisoned further deteriorates her social standing.»
The prosecution, however, vigorously opposed the plea, asserting that Khardiata Tandian’s release would disrupt public order. Furthermore, the prosecutor contended that the defendant lacked adequate guarantees to ensure her appearance in court.
Countering this, the defense maintained there was no risk of witness intimidation or any threat to public peace. They highlighted that Khardiata Tandian had already testified, making any distortion of facts impossible.
Aligning with the public prosecutor’s recommendations, the court ultimately denied Khardiata Tandian’s request for provisional release. She will therefore remain in custody pending the final deliberation, now scheduled for July 23, 2026.
