Achraf Hakimi to Face Trial in Rape Case: A French Court’s Ruling

A French appeals court has confirmed that Achraf Hakimi, the prominent Paris Saint-Germain and Moroccan football star, will face trial for a rape case. The decision was announced on Friday, coinciding with Morocco’s World Cup match against Scotland. Hakimi, celebrated for his performances with PSG and Morocco, has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

Initial charges were placed on Hakimi in March 2023, following accusations by a 24-year-old woman claiming rape at his home in a Parisian suburb. Despite an appeal against this decision from an investigative judge, the court upheld the recommendation for trial based on evidence collected during investigations. As a result, Hakimi will now be formally charged with rape.

Rachel-Flore Pardo, representing the accuser, expressed relief at the decision. She conveyed the hope that the trial would support other victims of sexual violence, especially within men’s football. Pardo highlighted the significance of the ruling after extensive legal procedures and public scrutiny faced by her client.

Pardo stated, “Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have her case heard at trial. Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the fortress of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence.”

Hakimi, in a public statement, emphasized that his fame contributed to the case being pursued. He maintained that his silence over the years stemmed from trust in the justice system and he remains eager for the trial to present his side of the story.

He remarked, “Justice looked me in the eye and told me: ‘If you were not famous, there would never have been a case.’ I have been waiting for this trial since the first day. And I am now waiting for it impatiently.”

Fanny Colin, Hakimi’s lawyer, criticized the decision, noting numerous exculpatory elements arising from the investigations. She argued that these would typically result in case dismissal. Colin highlighted contradictions and misinformation from the complainant, which she believes were overlooked.

Colin noted, “Achraf Hakimi’s defense regrets that no consequences were drawn from the contradictions and false statements made by the complainant, her concealment of information from the judicial authorities, and her obstruction of the search for the truth.”

The date for the trial has not been set, leaving Hakimi and the public awaiting further developments in this legal case.