Dakar court defers verdict in forged signature case involving former prime minister
The Criminal Court of Dakar has postponed the verdict in the case involving the alleged forgery of Ousmane Sonko‘s signature to July 23, 2026. Initially scheduled for July 9, 2026, the hearing was adjourned after the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the presumed accomplice of the defendant, Khardiata Tandian.
During the proceedings, the court also declined to grant the defendant’s request for provisional release. Her legal team argued that she met all the criteria for such a measure, citing her prolonged pre-trial detention of more than a year, her marital status, and her role as a mother. The defense further contended that the time already served could potentially cover any future sentence, and that further incarceration would severely disrupt her personal and social life.
Prosecutor’s stance outweighs defense arguments
The prosecution vehemently opposed the defense’s motion, asserting that releasing Khardiata Tandian would pose a threat to public order and that she did not provide sufficient guarantees of appearing in court. Despite the defense’s counterargument that there was no risk of witness tampering since the defendant had already testified, the court sided with the prosecutor’s position. As a result, Khardiata Tandian remains in custody pending the final resolution of the case.
