Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will go on trial for raping a 24-year-old woman at his Paris home in February 2023 after his appeal was rejected.
Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Achraf Hakimi’s appeal has been rejected and he will go on trial for rape.
The Paris Saint-Germain and Moroccan national team star allegedly raped a 24-year-old woman at his home in Paris on February 25, 2023.
The 27-year-old defender has consistently denied the allegations. Prosecutors began an investigation in March 2023, and a judge ordered a trial in February of this year.
Hakimi, who will captain Morocco in Friday’s second World Cup match against Scotland, has had his appeal rejected and will go to trial, but a date has not yet been set.
Rachel Flore Pardo, the plaintiff’s attorney, said in a statement: “After more than three years of legal proceedings, my client has, in her opinion, been defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defense, but this decision brings her relief and hope.”
“We are relieved that she was able to reach the justice system and have the right to a trial. We hope this trial will help other women and further weaken the walls of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in the world of men’s football.”
Hakimi writes about X as follows: “The judiciary looked me in the eye and said, “If you weren’t famous, this would never have happened.” I chose to remain silent for many years, knowing that by keeping my dignity, being patient, and trusting the justice system, I would make the right decision.
“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 have become an easy target. I have been waiting for this trial since day one, and now I am looking forward to it. At last I can speak.”
Achraf Hakimi, Morocco’s captain at the World Cup (Image: Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
PSG’s right-back addressed the allegations in September. “For me, this is the most painful thing that has ever happened,” he told Canal+. “And to tell you the truth, this was the worst blow I’ve ever received. I think it was pretty hard for me, and it still is, because when they keep telling you lie after lie, it hurts.
“It’s hard for the family and for the kids to be young and not know what the internet and reading is. I know they’re going to read something at some point in their lives, but for me to see something written about their father and it’s a lie, it’s not very fun and I honestly don’t want that for my kids.
“I think my lawyer said that. We knew this could happen. We’re calm. I know what I’m being accused of. It’s a lie. I know who I am. I know I didn’t do anything. And I never would. I asked the police to explain my side of things to them.”
“Whenever they need me for something… what’s more, they have my DNA. Whatever they needed, I was available, unlike the person who accused me and didn’t make things easy. Thanks to the work of the police, we were able to find quite a few good things. The truth is, I’m calm. I know I’m on good terms with my lawyers. The judiciary is doing its job. I hope the truth comes out soon.”
He added: “We are exposed to a lot of things. We are exposed to things like girls coming up to us. Intimidation… I think there are a lot of people in the football world who take advantage of us. And when you don’t have people around you, these things happen to you.”
“They undermined my dignity, because I know what’s really going on, especially the fact that they’re falsely accusing me. And it’s not nice to be accused of something you’re not guilty of. I don’t want that to happen to anyone.”
