Rape: Achraf Hakimi referred to Nanterre court
PSG footballer Achraf Hakimi has been referred to the criminal court in Nanterre for alleged rape offences dating from February 2023.
Rape: Achraf Hakimi referred to Nanterre court
Moroccan international defender for Paris Saint-Germain, Achraf Hakimi, must appear before French justice. The Nanterre prosecutor's office has decided to refer him to criminal court for alleged rape offences, as reported by Ligaportal.
The incidents date back to February 2023. A 24-year-old woman had then presented herself at the police station to report having been raped by the footballer. She did not, however, file a complaint at that time. The matter has since been subject to thorough judicial investigation.
During a hearing held in May, the defence of the 27-year-old footballer had requested the case be dismissed. This request was rejected. Hakimi, who has contested the accusations from the outset, claims to be the target of slander.
On social network X, the Champions League winner with PSG expressed himself forcefully. He believes that his notoriety played a decisive role in initiating proceedings against him. According to his account, the magistrates confided to him that without his celebrity status, the matter would never have come about.
The sportsman maintains that he has been awaiting this trial eagerly from the outset. He intends finally to be able to give his version of events and establish the truth. He denounces a story that is not his and that would be harmful to his family as well as his personal life.
His lawyers call into question the complainant. They accuse her of having obstructed the proper conduct of the investigation and of having evaded the medical examinations requested by investigators. These elements could constitute an important line of defence during the trial.
Hakimi, former Borussia Dortmund player, is currently participating in the football World Cup organised in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The international competition schedule could interfere with the hearing dates that will be set by the French court.
The case illustrates the difficulties encountered by public figures when confronted with accusations of a criminal nature. The contrast between the player's flourishing sporting career and the serious suspicions weighing on him creates a particularly complex media and legal situation.
The criminal court in Nanterre will need to carefully examine the elements of the case in order to rule on the guilt or innocence of the defender. The presumption of innocence remains applicable until a final court decision.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)