Hakimi Rape Case to Proceed, Player Reacts Angrily on Social Media

The Indictment Chamber of the Versailles Court of Appeal has rejected Achraf Hakimi's appeal against his indictment for rape, confirming that the Moroccan PSG defender will face criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department.

The accusation dates back to 2023, when a young woman, whom the footballer contacted via Instagram and invited to his home, filed a complaint. According to her allegations, Achraf Hakimi touched her breasts without consent before raping her. "He behaved like an animal, showed no tenderness, seemed desperate for sex," the woman stated during her hearing.

The trial is set to take place in the coming months, a fact Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, expressed regret over: "The contradictions and lies of the plaintiff, the withholding of information from judicial authorities, the obstruction of truth, and even her psychological assessments, which confirmed her ambivalence and lack of clarity regarding the facts she reported, were not taken into account."

The footballer, currently in camp with the Moroccan national team for the World Cup, posted a message on his social media channels after the court's decision was announced. Despite it being past 3 AM in Boston, he wrote:

"Justice looked me in the eye and told me: 'If you weren't famous, there would never be such a case.' I chose to remain silent for years. I thought that maintaining dignity, patience, and trust in justice would allow the right decisions to be made," Hakimi began his account on his X profile.

He continued, asserting that he looks forward to the trial to present his version, despite previously appealing the decision for it to proceed. "Today, a story is being told that is not mine, to the detriment of my family, my life, and most importantly, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I've become an easy target. I've been waiting for this trial from day one. And now I'm looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak," the Moroccan defender stated.

Prosecution Lawyer Welcomes Decision

The plaintiff's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, welcomed the court's decision to send the player to trial: "After more than three years of legal battles, having been slandered and defamed by Achraf Hakimi's defense, this decision brings relief and hope to my client. Relief that she has been heard by justice and has the right to a trial. Hope that this process will help other women and contribute to breaking down the fortress of denial and impunity that surrounds sexual violence, even in the world of men's football."