The court decision against Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi was confirmed. The Versailles Court of Appeal dismissed the player’s appeal this Friday, ruling that he faces a trial in French justice on charges of rape. The episode dates back to February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman made the complaint.
According to publications in the newspaper L’Équipe, the magistrates’ understanding was that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the action. The athlete, who defends his innocence, previously sought to have the case dismissed.
Therefore, with the rejection of the appeal request, the PSG defender will be judged by the Departmental Criminal Court. This instance will be responsible for analyzing all statements and evidence presented to reach a conclusion about your guilt or innocence.
“After more than three years of legal struggle, during which my client was the target of slander and defamation by Achraf Hakimi’s defense, this judicial ruling offers relief and hope,” said Rachel-Flore Pardo, lawyer for the woman who denounced him.
Hakimi expresses frustration and questions the motivations behind the process
Shortly after being informed about the refusal of his appeal, Hakimi used social media to speak out. The Moroccan player insinuated that the accusation only gained proportions due to his celebrity status, which highlights the complexity of cases involving public figures, where fame can influence the visibility of the accusation and the perception of the process, although it does not exempt anyone from responsibility or justice.
“The court looked at me and said: ‘If you weren’t famous, this case would never have happened,’” wrote Hakimi. “I chose silence for years, believing that maintaining dignity, patience and faith in the judicial system would lead to the right deliberations.”
“Currently, a narrative that does not belong to me is being spread, harming my family, my life and, above all, the truth,” he added. “Sometimes I feel like an easy target in the situation.”
The full-back reiterated his innocence and expressed great hope for the quick conclusion of the trial.
“I’ve been looking forward to this trial since the beginning. Now, I’m waiting for it impatiently. Finally, I’ll be able to present my version of the facts,” said the athlete.
Hakimi’s defense team expressed disappointment at the failure to consider aspects that would point to contradictions and alleged falsehoods in the complainant’s reports. The player’s lawyer mentioned psychological reports that would indicate an ambivalent stance and lack of clarity in statements about the events.
“The volume of evidence favorable to the accused, revealed during the investigation and judicial instruction, in any other circumstances, would have resulted in the case being closed”, declared lawyer Fanny Colin.
Understand the chronology and details of the accusation against the defender
The legal process began in February 2023, when the young woman went to a police station in the Val-de-Marne region, southeast of Paris. She reported being a victim of rape, but did not file a formal complaint at that time.
According to information from AFP, the woman met the athlete on Instagram and was later invited to his home. She alleges that Hakimi initiated kisses and sexual advances without her consent, culminating in the rape. The complainant claims to have managed to escape and seek help from a friend.
Authorities referred the case to the Nanterre prosecutor’s office, in the greater Paris region. The prosecutor’s office took over the investigation due to the seriousness of the situation and the “notoriety of the accused individual.” The player’s indictment took place in March 2023.
In February of this year, after a judge’s decision to accept the complaint, Hakimi used his digital platforms to comment on the episode.
“Today, an accusation of rape is enough to justify a trial, even if I deny it and all the evidence demonstrates its falsity,” he wrote. “This is unfair to both the innocent and the real victims. I await this trial with serenity, as it will allow the truth to come out publicly.”
At the moment, Hakimi is in the United States, participating in the World Cup with the Morocco national team. The full-back was on the field in the first game, a 1-1 draw with Brazil. The African team will play its next match this Friday, facing Scotland in Boston, at 7pm (Brasília time).