Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial in Rape Case
On Friday, France’s Court of Appeal ruled that Achraf Hakimi, the star defender for Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, will face trial related to a rape accusation, as confirmed by his lawyer.
Hakimi, who recently celebrated winning the Champions League for a second time with PSG and is currently participating in the World Cup, had previously appealed a decision made by a lower court. This latest ruling follows the prosecutor’s suggestion that he should be tried.
This announcement came just before Morocco’s match against Scotland in Group C; they had drawn 1-1 in their opener against Brazil.
The highly regarded right-back has denied any wrongdoing regarding the allegations. In March 2023, Hakimi was charged with preliminary rape after a 24-year-old woman claimed he assaulted her at his residence in a suburb of Paris.
Rachel Flore Pardo, representing the plaintiffs, expressed relief about the court’s decision, stating it offers hope to their clients after enduring three years of legal battles, during which they felt defamed by Hakimi’s defense team. She mentioned, “I hope this trial will assist other women and challenge the culture of denial surrounding sexual violence, particularly in men’s football.”
In a post on X, Hakimi remarked that the case might not have advanced if not for his public persona, stating, “The judge told me, ‘If you weren’t famous, this case wouldn’t have happened.’” He reflected on his decision to remain silent for years, believing that patience and faith in the justice system would lead to clarity.
He expressed concerns about the impact of these allegations on himself and his family, sharing, “I have been waiting for this trial since day one, and I am eager for it to finally take place. I can finally share my side.”
As of now, a trial date remains unannounced. Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Collin, emphasized that the investigation uncovered numerous exculpatory factors that would typically lead to case dismissal, citing contradictions and the complainant’s failure to provide clarity on her claims.
