Court Upholds Decision to Send PSG Star Achraf Hakimi to Trial for Rape
The Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the decision to send PSG star Achraf Hakimi to trial on rape charges stemming from a 2023 incident, which the player denies.
The Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the decision to send Paris Saint-Germain star and Morocco national team captain Achraf Hakimi to stand trial before a criminal court on rape charges. The case stems from an incident in February 2023, following a complaint filed by a 24-year-old woman.
According to the investigation, Hakimi and the complainant met on Instagram in January 2023. The young woman went to his residence on the night of February 25, 2023, where the alleged assault took place. Investigators noted that the complainant later sent text messages to a friend describing the situation as serious and stating that she wanted to leave.
Defense Arguments and Legal Context
Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that any physical contact was consensual and arguing that the accusations are an attempt at extortion. His defense team has pointed to various elements in the case file, including text messages and psychological evaluations, to question the complainant's narrative.
The judicial system has looked me in the eyes and said that if I were not famous, there would be no case at all. I have chosen to remain silent for years, but now I look forward to the trial so I can finally speak out, Hakimi stated.
Kylian Mbappe's Testimony
The testimony of French national team captain Kylian Mbappe has also played a role in the proceedings. Mbappe provided a statement regarding a conversation he had with Hakimi following the incident, which the investigating magistrate referenced in the decision to send the case to trial.
The trial date has not yet been finalized, but the confirmation by the Court of Criminal Appeals ensures that the proceedings will move forward in the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court.
