Dakar’s criminal court has once again postponed a high-profile verdict in the case involving the alleged falsification of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s signature. Khardiata Tandian, who has been held in custody for over a year, will remain behind bars after the tribunal adjourned its decision for the second time.
The hearing, originally scheduled for July 9, 2026, was delayed until July 23 to allow the court to secure the presence of a key figure in the proceedings. Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as Tandian’s alleged accomplice, failed to appear during earlier sessions, prompting the latest postponement.
Legal pressure mounts as defense seeks provisional release
Tandian’s legal team seized the opportunity of the adjournment to file a motion for her provisional release. Their arguments centered on three main points:
- Procedural completion: All investigative reports and testimonies have already been submitted, making further detention unnecessary.
- Risk assessment: The defense argued that Tandian posed no threat to witnesses or the integrity of the case, given her prior court appearances.
- Pre-trial detention duration: Her year-long incarceration could potentially cover any eventual sentence, rendering continued confinement unjustified.
The court also heard Tandian’s deteriorating social and family situation, with her legal counsel emphasizing her role as a married mother whose prolonged detention was exacerbating hardship at home.
Prosecutor’s stance blocks temporary freedom
Despite these pleas, the public prosecutor opposed the motion, citing public order concerns and insufficient guarantees that Tandian would remain available for future proceedings. The tribunal ultimately sided with the prosecution, rejecting the provisional release request and ordering Tandian’s continued detention.
Awaiting the accomplice’s presence
The case’s resolution now hinges on Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy’s next appearance. His absence during earlier sessions had already derailed the initial verdict date, and judicial authorities insist on his presence before finalizing their decision. Until then, Tandian will remain in custody, with the next ruling now scheduled for July 23, 2026.
