Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape, a French court has confirmed, rejecting his request to dismiss the case. The decision was announced on Friday, though a start date for the trial has not yet been set.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
In February 2023, a woman who was 24 at the time told police in the Val-De-Marne region, southeast of Paris, that Hakimi had sexually assaulted her at his home. Hakimi, who is Morocco's captain and is set to play in their World Cup game against Scotland on Friday, has consistently denied the allegations.
Before playing in PSG's win over Arsenal in the Champions League final and traveling to the United States, Hakimi appeared in person at the Versailles Court of Appeal on May 22 to request that the case be dismissed. However, the court ruled that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial.
Court Statement
'The investigations carried out during the preliminary inquiry and the judicial investigation led the investigating chamber to conclude that there is sufficient evidence against Mr. Achraf Hakimi Mouh to justify his indictment before the departmental criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine,' the court stated.
Hakimi's Response
In a statement released after the announcement, Hakimi said: 'The justice system looked me in the eye and said, 'If you weren't famous, there would never have been a case.' I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made. Today, a story that isn't mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I've become an easy target. I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I'll be able to speak.'
Defense Lawyer's Comments
Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, said: 'The multitude of exculpatory elements revealed by the investigation and the judicial inquiry would, in any other case, have led to a dismissal. Achraf Hakimi's defense regrets that the consequences of the civil party's contradictions and lies, its concealment from the judicial authorities, its obstruction of the truth, and even its psychological evaluations confirming its ambivalence and lack of lucidity regarding the events it denounced, have not been addressed. Mr. Achraf Hakimi now eagerly awaits his trial so that he can finally speak publicly about the false accusation against him.'
Plaintiff's Reaction
The plaintiff's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the decision brought her client 'relief and hope.' She added: 'The investigating chamber has ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Achraf Hakimi for having committed rape. This decision is perfectly consistent with the evidence in the case and in line with the opinions of the public prosecutor, the investigating judge, and the advocate general at the Court of Appeal. Six judges have therefore determined that the numerous incriminating elements justify indicting Achraf Hakimi before the Departmental Criminal Court for rape. After more than three years of legal battles, after being slandered and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defense, this decision brings my client relief and hope. Relief at having been heard by the justice system and at having the right to a trial. Hope that this trial will help other women and further crack the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even in the world of men's football.'
Hakimi, 27, has been a key player for both PSG and the Moroccan national team, leading them to the World Cup semifinals in 2022. The trial is expected to draw significant attention given his high-profile status.
