Achraf Hakimi of PSG to face trial following rape accusation
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has stated he will “allow the truth to emerge publicly” after being informed he is set to stand trial for an alleged rape.
The accusation originates from February 2023 and was made by a then 24-year-old woman who alleged that the Morocco international assaulted her at his residence in the southeast of Paris.
“Today, a rape allegation is sufficient to warrant a trial,” Hakimi, who refutes the claims, wrote on X.
“This is as unfair to the innocent as it is to the true victims. I patiently await this trial, which will enable the truth to be revealed publicly.”
Hakimi’s attorney Fanny Colin and the prosecutor in the Nanterre area of Paris have both confirmed to French media that a trial has been mandated.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, representing the plaintiff, informed the Associated Press that her client received the order to proceed to trial “with relief,” adding that it “is entirely consistent with the evidence in the file.”
In March 2023, Hakimi was given preliminary charges of rape. Within the French legal framework, preliminary charges indicate that judges have substantial reason to believe a crime occurred but are allowing additional time for investigation before determining whether to advance the case to trial.
“A trial has been mandated based on an allegation that relies solely on the testimony of a woman who obstructed all inquiries, declined all medical examinations and DNA testing, denied access to her mobile phone, and refused to disclose the name of a crucial witness,” Colin stated.
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Colin contended that two consecutive psychological evaluations of the plaintiff “indicated a lack of clarity regarding the facts she claims to report, as well as the absence of any post-traumatic symptoms.”
In her statement, Pardo remarked that while the justice system has been exemplary in this case, “the broader handling of this matter serves as a reminder of one thing: There are still environments where the Me Too movement has yet to penetrate, particularly in the realm of men’s professional football.”
PSG coach Luis Enrique was questioned in a news conference on Tuesday prior to the Monaco match about whether Hakimi’s situation alters anything for the team and if he remains the vice captain. Luis Enrique responded simply: “This is in the hands of the justice system.”
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this story
