Achraf Hakimi: footballer's appeal rejected, to face trial for rape
The Versailles Court of Appeal has rejected a request to annul proceedings against international Moroccan player Achraf Hakimi. The PSG player, accused of rape, will now be tried in court.
Achraf Hakimi: appeal rejected, rape trial to proceed
The Versailles Court of Appeal has rejected a request to annul proceedings filed by Achraf Hakimi, according to RMC Sport and several other French media outlets. The Moroccan international from Paris Saint-Germain will therefore face trial for rape.
The prosecution had requested the defender be charged as early as February. In May, the athlete had filed an appeal seeking to have the proceedings annulled. This attempt failed.
From the outset, the 26-year-old sportsman has maintained his innocence. On Friday morning, he posted a message on the X social network in which he states he is looking forward to being able to explain himself before the courts.
"Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life and above all the truth. Sometimes I feel like I have become an easy target," he wrote, adding: "I have been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I am looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to tell my story."
The accusations date back to March 2023. A woman who was then 24 years old accused him of sexual assault. According to her account, the player allegedly invited her to his home in the absence of his wife — from whom he is now separated — and their children, who had gone on holiday. She subsequently filed a complaint with law enforcement, claiming she had been raped. She did not directly file a criminal complaint, but the prosecution opened an investigation ex officio.
For his part, the Madrid-born player maintains that there was only consensual embraces and kisses between them. He has also previously stated that he is the victim of an attempted blackmail scheme.
"The truth is that when you succeed and everything is going well, you become an easy target for people around you. This has taught me not to trust too many people," he had said.
Since the beginning of the matter, Hakimi has continued to play for PSG with notable sporting success. Previously, he played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.
Source: Google News DK — Crime (da)