Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape in France, court confirms | OneFootball

The Versailles court of appeal has confirmed Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape in France. A trial date has not been set.

The case stems from February 2023, when a young woman reported to police that the player had raped her. Hakimi has consistently rejected the allegation as false.

Judges have found there are sufficient charges to justify his indictment before a court in the Paris region. His lawyer Fanny Colin said the confirmation was expected and that he is not deemed guilty, adding he remains firm in his defence.

In a social media post, Hakimi said he had awaited the trial since day one and now looks forward to speaking.

The complainant’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the decision brings relief and hope after more than three years, after what she called slander and smears by Hakimi’s defence.

At the time, the woman told police she met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 and travelled to his home in a private-hire car he ordered. She said he kissed and touched her without consent before raping her, that she pushed him away, and that a friend collected her after a text.

Hakimi was placed under formal investigation and judicial supervision in March 2023.

Jeanne, a pseudonym used by the complainant, said, “I want a trial to defend myself, to be heard”, she told Mediapart.

The 27-year-old right-back is at the World Cup in the United States with Morocco, who play their second match against Scotland on Friday night.

Source: Le Progres