Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi to stand trial in rape case | Football News
Achraf Hakimi to Face Trial on Rape Charges
PARIS — Achraf Hakimi, a football player for Paris Saint-Germain and the Morocco national team, announced on social media that he will stand trial for rape allegations first made in 2023. The 27-year-old athlete has denied the accusations, stating he looks forward to the trial to prove his innocence.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Hakimi expressed frustration over the justice system, saying, “Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I deny it and everything proves it’s false. This is as unjust to the innocent as it is to the genuine victims. I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office initiated an investigation after a woman alleged that Hakimi raped her. On Tuesday, authorities confirmed that the case would proceed to trial. Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, remarked that the prosecution is based solely on the plaintiff’s testimony, citing her refusal to cooperate fully with the investigation, including declining medical examinations and DNA tests.
The lawyer for the plaintiff, Rachel-Flore Pardo, expressed relief that the case is moving forward, praising the judiciary for its handling of the matter. However, she noted that challenges remain for the #MeToo movement within men’s football, as quoted by the AFP news agency.
Hakimi is expected to participate in PSG’s upcoming match against Monaco in the Champions League knockout round playoff. Coach Luis Enrique commented on Hakimi’s situation at a news conference, stating, “This matter is in the hands of the authorities.”
The trial date has yet to be announced.
