The Dakar Criminal Court has postponed its verdict in the forgery case involving former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, involving defendant Khardiata Tandian, until July 23, 2026. Initially scheduled for July 9, 2026, the hearing was adjourned after the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the alleged accomplice in the case.
The court also rejected Khardiata Tandian’s request for provisional release, despite her lawyer’s arguments that she met all eligibility criteria. The defense highlighted her prolonged pretrial detention of over a year, her married status, and her role as a mother to a young child. They further contended that the time already served could cover any potential sentence and that continued incarceration would severely disrupt her family and social life.
Prosecutors strongly opposed her release, asserting that her freedom would pose a risk to public order and that she did not provide sufficient guarantees of appearing in court. Though the defense countered that there was no risk of witness intimidation since the defendant had already testified, the tribunal sided with the prosecution’s stance. As a result, Khardiata Tandian remains in custody pending the final resolution of the case.
