Achraf Hakimi rape case: Versailles appeal court to decide on trial referral Friday | OneFootball

The Versailles appeal court will rule on Friday morning on whether Morocco and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi must stand trial for rape, a referral ordered in late February which he has appealed.

At a May hearing before the investigation chamber, he asked judges to dismiss the case. He had previously been indicted and placed under judicial supervision.

The complainant, who like Hakimi was 24 at the time, says she met him on Instagram in January 2023 and travelled to his home in a private hire car ordered by him.

She says he kissed and touched her without consent before raping her, then she pushed him away and texted a friend to collect her.

His lawyer Fanny Colin has argued the accusation rests solely on the woman’s account and that the complainant tried to hide messages with a friend about plans to rob Mr Hakimi.

The complainant’s counsel, Rachel-Flore Pardo, has said three magistrates have already found sufficient grounds to indict him before the departmental criminal court for rape.

"I want a trial to defend myself, to be heard. I want to justify myself. I want to be believed," the woman, using the pseudonym Jeanne, said, speaking to Mediapart.

Despite the allegations, the player, who denies them, is at the World Cup with Morocco, who face Scotland on Friday night in the United States. The 27-year-old started the tournament as captain.

Source: Nice-Matin