French prosecutors have requested that Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi stand trial over allegations of rape dating back to 2023. The Moroccan international, who denies the accusation, could be heading to a criminal court if the investigating judge approves the move.
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed on Friday that it had asked the judge in charge to refer the case to trial. “It is now up to the investigating magistrate to make a decision within the framework of his order,” the statement read.
Hakimi, 26, recently played a crucial role in PSG’s historic UEFA Champions League triumph, scoring the opening goal in the 5–0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final.
The rape allegation stems from an incident on February 25, 2023. The alleged victim, a 24-year-old woman, claims Hakimi paid for her transport to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt while his wife and children were away. She told police that the footballer began kissing her and making non-consensual advances before allegedly raping her. She said she managed to escape and contacted a friend to come and get her.
Although she did not file a formal complaint, prosecutors decided to move forward with charges against Hakimi in March 2023. The woman had earlier revealed that she met Hakimi on Instagram in January of the same year.
Responding to Friday’s development, Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, slammed the prosecution’s request as “incomprehensible and senseless in light of the case’s elements.” She added that both she and her client remained calm and were prepared to appeal if a trial is ordered.
Colin also claimed her client had been the victim of “an attempted extortion.” However, the woman’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, rejected the allegation. “Nothing in this case suggests an attempted extortion,” she said.
“My client welcomes this news with immense relief. We will not tolerate any smear or destabilisation campaign, as is unfortunately still too often the case for women who have the courage to report rape,” Pardo added.
Born in Getafe, a suburb of Madrid, Hakimi is the son of Moroccan immigrants. He came through Real Madrid’s academy before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2018, where he made 73 appearances. He later joined Inter Milan in 2020 and transferred to PSG in 2021, becoming a key figure in the French club’s recent success.
Hakimi also played a pivotal role in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, making his mark as one of the most influential African footballers of his generation.
The case now rests in the hands of the investigating judge, who will decide whether Hakimi stands trial.
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