Aïssatou Sophie Gladima case: Lawyer Michel Simel Basse welcomes the lifting of the electronic bracelet and the postponement of the trial

The defense team for former Minister of Mines and Geology, Aïssatou Sophie Gladima, expressed its satisfaction following the two decisions handed down this Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by the High Court of Justice. In a statement, attorney Michel Simel Basse asserted that these measures reflect respect for procedural rules and a commitment to ensuring the proper administration of justice.

The first decision concerns the lifting of the electronic monitoring bracelet imposed on the former minister. According to her lawyer, this measure brings her situation into compliance with the provisions of Article 138 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which limits the duration of electronic monitoring to twelve months when it concerns a suspected offense. "We welcome this measure, which brings our client's situation into compliance with the requirements of procedural law," stated Mr. Michel Simel Basse.

The second decision concerns the postponement of the trial until after the judicial recess, specifically after the period from August 1st to November 1st. The defense considers this postponement, described as a "postponement after the recess," to be a satisfactory decision.

The lawyer considers this a "smart" procedural measure, designed to ensure consistency between the case examined by the High Court of Justice and the proceedings pending before the High Court of Dakar. The latter specifically targets the former Director of General Administration and Equipment (DAGE) of the Ministry of Mines and Geology, as well as the contractor awarded the disputed contract.

According to Me Michel Simel Basse, the two proceedings relate to the same facts, with the only difference being that the other defendants fall under the jurisdiction of ordinary law, unlike the former minister, who is being prosecuted before the High Court of Justice because of her status as a former member of the government.

The lawyer also pointed out that this "privilege of jurisdiction" does not necessarily constitute an advantage, as the decisions of the High Court of Justice are not subject to ordinary or extraordinary appeals, with the exception of the appeal for review.

Beyond the decisions rendered, Mr. Michel Simel Basse praised "the quality of the listening and exchanges" between the members of the High Court of Justice and the defense lawyers. He congratulated the team of lawyers, initially composed of Mr. François Sarr, Mr. Benoît Sarr, Mr. Baboucar Cissé, Mr. Antoine Mbengue, and himself, and reinforced by Mr. Papa Laïty Ndiaye, former president of the bar association, Mr. El Hadj Moustapha Diouf, and Mr. André Thiakane.

In conclusion, he argued for justice to be delivered with "courtesy, beyond passions," believing that judicial debates must take place "at levels of reflection that benefit everyone, and particularly Justice as a whole."