In a new legal development that has rocked the global sports world, French media reported on Tuesday that Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi , the right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, has been referred to criminal trial on rape charges. This decision comes after an investigation that has lasted for more than a year and a half, specifically since the case came to light in February 2023.
Details of the referral to trial and Hakimi's response
AFP, citing judicial sources and the player's lawyer, reported that the investigating judge at the Nanterre court decided to refer Hakimi to trial. The Atlas Lions star quickly responded, breaking his silence via his official X account (formerly Twitter), affirming his confidence in his innocence.
Hakimi wrote in his post: “Today, it is enough to be accused of rape to justify bringing you to trial, even though I contest the charges and all the evidence proves they are false.” The 26-year-old added confidently: “I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to be revealed to the public.”.
Background of the case and the charges brought
The case dates back to the spring of 2023, when a young French woman accused the player of luring her to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt and sexually assaulting her after they met on Instagram. The Nanterre public prosecutor's office formally requested on August 1st that the player be referred to the regional criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine.
For her part, Rachel-Flor Pardo, the plaintiff's lawyer, stated that the judicial investigation "collected all the necessary evidence to characterize the crime of rape," denying any suspicion of extortion in the case, and considering that Hakimi's defense strategy "is ineffective" in cases of sexual violence.
The impact of the case on Hakimi's sporting career
Despite the seriousness of the accusations, Achraf Hakimi continued his professional career normally with his club, Paris Saint-Germain, and with the Moroccan national team. Hakimi is considered one of the key players in the Parisian team's lineup, having been chosen as vice-captain to Marquinhos, reflecting the confidence the club and coaching staff, led by Luis Enrique, have in him.
Hakimi enjoys immense popularity, especially after his historic achievement with the Moroccan national team at the 2022 Qatar World Cup , where he helped the Atlas Lions reach the semi-finals – a first for Arab and African football. Sports fans, both locally and internationally, are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this case and its potential impact on the future of the player, who is considered one of the best full-backs in the world today.
It should be noted that French law recognizes the principle of "presumption of innocence," which means that Hakimi remains innocent until proven guilty by a final court ruling, a position held by the player and his defense team, who insist that the accusations are fabricated.
