Achraf Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the premier right-backs in the world, has firmly denied any wrongdoing amidst serious allegations. The Moroccan footballer, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain and is participating in the World Cup, is set to face trial for charges of rape stemming from an incident in March 2023, when a 24-year-old woman accused him of assaulting her in his home located in a suburb of Paris.
On Friday, a French appeals court confirmed the decision that will bring Hakimi to trial, following his appeal against a ruling made in February by an investigating judge. This judge's decision aligned with the recommendations from the prosecution, which asserted that there was sufficient evidence for Hakimi to stand trial. This announcement came just hours before Morocco's Group C match against Scotland, with the African team having previously drawn 1-1 against Brazil in their opening game.
The Versailles appeals court released a statement indicating that Hakimi would be formally charged with rape. Their investigation during the preliminary proceedings led the court to conclude that there was adequate evidence against the player warranting a trial. Rachel-Flore Pardo, the attorney representing the plaintiff, expressed that after over three years of legal proceedings, this court decision offers her client a sense of relief and hope, especially after enduring what she described as defamation and character attacks from Hakimi's defense team.
“This brings relief for being heard by the justice system and for her case to be reviewed in court,” Pardo stated in a comment to The Associated Press. “It also gives hope that this trial may assist other women and further weaken the denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, even within the male-dominated world of football.”
In a message shared via social media platform X, Hakimi contended that his case would not have gained traction if he were not a public figure, describing himself as a “target.” He claimed, “The justice system looked me in the eyes and told me: ‘If you weren’t famous, there would have never been a case.’” Hakimi further expressed his decision to remain silent for years, believing that maintaining his dignity and trusting the justice system would yield the right outcomes.
He lamented that the case has been damaging not only to his reputation but also to his family and, more importantly, to the truth itself. “I have been waiting for this trial since day one. Now, I eagerly anticipate it. Finally, I will have the opportunity to speak,” Hakimi remarked. The trial date has yet to be announced.
Hakimi's attorney, Fanny Colin, highlighted that the numerous exculpatory elements uncovered during the investigation would have typically resulted in the case being dismissed. She expressed disappointment that contradictions and false statements made by the complainant, along with her withholding of information from judicial authorities and obstruction of the truth-seeking process, did not lead to any consequences.
As reported by proceso.com.mx.
