Boston, June 19: Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial for rape before a French criminal court, as confirmed by Goal.com. The case stems from an incident in February 2023 when a young woman reported a sexual assault at Hakimi's residence in Boulogne-Billancourt. After a three-year inquiry, the prosecution requested a trial, and the appeals court confirmed the judicial referral. Legal authorities in Hauts-de-Seine ruled that the investigation yielded sufficient evidence to proceed directly to a full criminal trial.
Hakimi's Response
In a social media post, Hakimi expressed frustration, stating, "The court looked me in the eye and said: 'If you were not famous, there would never have been a case.' I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that remaining dignified, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made." He added, "Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I've become an easy target. I've been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I'm looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak."
Legal Perspectives
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer for the civil party, welcomed the appellate court's decision, calling it a consistent step towards justice. She said, "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." Pardo added that the decision brings her client relief and hope that the trial will help other women and erode the "fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even within the world of men's football."
However, Hakimi's legal team criticized the decision, claiming that the investigation overlooked critical exculpatory evidence. His lawyer stated, "The multitude of exculpatory elements revealed by the investigation and the judicial inquiry would, in any other case, have led to a dismissal. Mr Achraf Hakimi is now eagerly awaiting his trial so that he can finally speak publicly about the false accusation against him."
Impact on World Cup and Club
The trial comes at a crucial time for Morocco, as Hakimi captains the national team in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Morocco, which reached the semifinals in 2022—the first African nation to do so—is considered a dark horse contender. His club, PSG, is also monitoring the situation ahead of the pre-season, with a trial date in France expected to be announced soon.
