Footballer Achraf Hakimi, accused of rape, will stand trial in France
The Versailles court of appeal has rejected Moroccan player Achraf Hakimi's appeal, and he will now stand trial for rape in France.
Footballer Achraf Hakimi, accused of rape, will stand trial in France
The Versailles court of appeal has rejected the appeal filed by Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi. The 27-year-old athlete must now appear before French justice for rape, according to RMC and other media outlets.
French authorities decided to pursue Hakimi in February. In May, the Moroccan international, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, filed an appeal requesting the cancellation of the proceedings. This request was examined and ultimately rejected by the French judicial system.
The athlete has consistently proclaimed his innocence. On Friday morning, he published a message on social network X in which he states he is looking forward to being able to explain himself.
"Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life and especially 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 aged 24 at the time accused him of sexual assault. For his part, Hakimi maintains that the acts were merely mutual embraces and kisses.
Source: Google News DK — Crime (da)