Soya Diagne, journalist and owner of the media outlet Le Dakarois221, is not out of the woods yet. Just as the Indictment Chamber of the Dakar Court of Appeal had granted him provisional release under electronic monitoring, the public prosecutor's office immediately filed an appeal with the Court of Cassation.

The fate of Soya Diagne is in the hands of the Supreme Court

This appeal automatically suspends the execution of the decision. The case has now been referred to the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court, which will make the final ruling, reports Libération.

A TikTok video is at the origin of the case

Placed in pretrial detention on October 16, the media mogul is being prosecuted for spreading false news and making statements contrary to public morals. The prosecutor's office initiated the case following the release of a 56-second video on TikTok, in which a high-profile figure was accused of serious offenses allegedly committed in Paris. The preliminary indictment also targeted activist Ousseynou Seck, also known as "Akhenaton," as well as a third account operating under a pseudonym.

During his hearings, Soya Diagne denied any involvement in the production of the incriminating video, claiming he discovered it in the presence of investigators. He also rejected any connection with "Akhenaton," stating that the latter was close to the ruling party (Pastef), while he himself claimed to be a member of the APR.

Regarding his own posts, he maintains that they were satire and fiction. According to him, he simply commented on screenshots in a humorous tone, without any intention of causing harm.