A significant legal development has emerged in the case of Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan international footballer and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star, as a French court has confirmed that he will stand trial on charges of rape. This ruling, issued by France's Court of Cassation, upholds an earlier decision made by an appeals court, which had determined that Hakimi would face trial for allegedly assaulting a woman in 2023. The footballer has consistently denied these allegations, asserting his innocence amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
The timeline of events began when an appeals court ruled in June, during the World Cup, that Hakimi would be subjected to a criminal trial concerning the accusations brought against him. Following this ruling, Hakimi sought to appeal the decision to the highest court in France, the Court of Cassation. This appeal represented his last chance for reversal, as he was previously ordered in February to stand trial concerning the rape charge in the Hauts-de-Seine department.
Hakimi's legal representative, Fanny Colin, emphasized that the Court of Cassation did not examine the allegations against him, which will be fully addressed during the upcoming trial. Colin stated that Hakimi has cooperated with law enforcement and judicial authorities throughout the investigation and reiterated that he has nothing to hide. Meanwhile, the plaintiff's attorney, Rachel-Flore Pardo, expressed confidence in the court's decision to proceed to trial, viewing it as a testament to the strength of the evidence presented.
The accusations originated when a 24-year-old woman reported to the police in February 2023 that Hakimi had raped her after they met through Instagram. According to her account, she visited Hakimi’s residence after he sent a taxi for her. The plaintiff alleged that he engaged in unwanted sexual advances and ultimately raped her, claiming she managed to escape and contact a friend for assistance. Hakimi was subsequently charged with rape shortly thereafter.
PSG has publicly supported Hakimi, stating that he has consistently denied the charges and is entitled to the presumption of innocence. The club emphasized its commitment to providing a respectful working environment and its ongoing efforts to combat all forms of violence, particularly sexual violence. The unfolding legal saga surrounding Hakimi underscores the complex interplay between celebrity, public perception, and the judicial process.
As reported by afp.com.
