Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will face trial in France after the Versailles Court of Appeal rejected his appeal request on Friday. The Moroccan player is the target of a rape accusation made by a 24-year-old woman in 2023. This judicial decision guarantees that the case will proceed to the trial stage, a significant step in criminal actions.
The appeal court found that there was substantial evidence that justified the continuation of criminal proceedings against Hakimi. Although the athlete declared himself innocent and sought to have the case closed, the magistrates chose to continue analyzing the case.
The rejection of the appeal means that the PSG footballer will be referred to the Departmental Criminal Court. This judicial body will be responsible for thoroughly examining all testimony and evidence presented to determine your guilt or innocence.
Lawyer Rachel-Flore Pardo, who represents the complainant, expressed satisfaction with the result. She stated that, after a long period of more than three years of legal dispute, in which her client was “slandered and defamed”, the decision brought “relief and hope” to the young woman.
Player Hakimi comments on the decision and insinuates that notoriety influenced the accusation
Achraf Hakimi used his digital platforms to speak out shortly after receiving news of the appeal’s refusal. The Moroccan athlete suggested that the accusation against him might not have arisen if he was not a public and recognized figure.
“The court looked at me and said, ‘If I wasn’t famous, there would never be a case,'” Hakimi posted. He explained that he opted for a long period of silence, believing that an attitude of dignity, patience and trust in the legal system would lead to fair verdicts.
The player added that “a narrative that does not correspond to his reality” is being disseminated, causing harm to his family, his personal life and, above all, the truth of the facts. He expressed the feeling of having become an “easy target” given the situation.
The PSG defender reinforced his innocence and expressed great expectations for the trial to begin quickly.
“I have been waiting for this trial since the beginning. And now, with impatience. Finally, I will have the chance to express myself,” Hakimi said.
Hakimi’s legal team expressed disappointment at the failure to consider apparent contradictions and alleged falsehoods in the testimonies of the woman who reported him. The player’s lawyer mentioned psychological reports that would point to ambivalent conduct and little clarity in the events narrated.
Lawyer Fanny Colin, for Hakimi’s defense, stated that the vast amount of evidence beneficial to her client, discovered during the investigation and judicial inquiry, would normally result in the dismissal of a similar case.
Understand the details of the rape accusation against Achraf Hakimi
The incident began in February 2023, when the young woman went to a police station in Val-de-Marne, on the outskirts of Paris, and described having been a victim of rape, although without formalizing a complaint at that time.
The woman reported that she met Hakimi via Instagram and accepted an invitation to go to his residence. There, the player allegedly began kissing and sexual advances without her consent, before committing the rape. The complainant claims to have managed to escape and seek help from a friend.
French authorities referred the case to the Nanterre prosecutor’s office, in the greater Paris region, which took over the investigation due to the seriousness of the accusations and the prominence of the accused. Hakimi was formally indicted in March 2023.
In February of this year, when the complaint was accepted by a judge, Hakimi had already spoken publicly about the matter on his online platforms.
On that occasion, he wrote: “Today, a simple accusation of rape is enough to justify a trial, even when I deny it and everything indicates that it is unfounded. This is an injustice to both the innocent and the real victims.” He concluded by stating that he was “calmly awaiting this trial, which will allow the truth to come to light publicly.”
Hakimi is currently a member of the Morocco team at the World Cup, which takes place in the United States. The full-back participated in the opening match of the World Cup, a 1-1 draw against Brazil. The African team will have its next game this Friday, facing Scotland in Boston, at 7pm (Brasília time).