Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape in France
French justice has confirmed the referral of the Moroccan footballer to the assize court. The case dates back to February 2023, when a young woman filed a complaint in Nogent-sur-Marne.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for rape in France
Magistrates at the Versailles court of appeal have upheld the decision to bring the Moroccan national team and Paris Saint-Germain defender before a criminal tribunal. The 27-year-old athlete is accused of sexual assault against a 24-year-old young woman.
According to the ruling made public, the evidence gathered during the investigation allows it to be established that the case contains sufficient grounds to justify a hearing before a jury. The athlete, who categorically denies the allegations, is currently engaged in the final phase of the football World Cup.
This judicial case began on 25 February 2023, the date on which a young woman presented herself at the police station in Nogent-sur-Marne, in the Paris region. She then recounted having met the player via a social network in early 2023. She was allegedly subsequently invited to the footballer's home, where he allegedly abused her against her will. The complainant specified that she had alerted a friend in writing, who subsequently intervened to collect her.
The prosecutors in Nanterre had sought an indictment in August of the previous year, arguing that the victim's account was consistent with the digital exchanges found. A preliminary hearing had already been scheduled, but the defence counsel had contested this decision. The rejection of this appeal now confirms the holding of a trial, although the defence could still lodge an appeal before the highest French court.
The civil party's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, expressed satisfaction with this outcome, emphasising that her client felt "relief and hope" after having endured several years of proceedings and public criticism. For his part, the individual in question published a message on the X platform in which he stated that he was looking forward to this hearing so that he could finally present his version of events. The Paris club intends to continue supporting its player by recalling the principle of the presumption of innocence.
It is worth noting that another participant in the world competition, Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, is also facing prosecution for similar offences across the Channel.
Source: Il Fatto Quotidiano
Source: Il Fatto Quotidiano - Cronaca