France's Court of Cassation has upheld a decision to send Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco footballer Achraf Hakimi to trial on a rape charge. The court's decision was confirmed on September 23, 2026, according to a judicial source. Hakimi, 27, has been accused of raping a woman in 2023, an allegation he has repeatedly denied. The case has been ongoing for three and a half years, with Hakimi appealing the decision to the Court of Cassation, the highest court in the French judicial system.
The alleged incident occurred in February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman reported to police in the Val-de-Marne region southeast of Paris that Hakimi had raped her. The plaintiff claimed she met Hakimi on Instagram and went to his home, where he allegedly kissed her, touched her without her consent, and then raped her. She stated she managed to push him away and text a friend, who came to pick her up. Hakimi was charged with rape a few days later.
Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Court of Cassation's decision. However, the plaintiff's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, released a statement saying her client is determined to obtain justice and will fight to the very end. Pardo also expressed frustration with Hakimi's defense, stating that her client has been slandered and dragged through the mud.
The case has been ongoing for several months, with an appeals court confirming in June 2026 that Hakimi would stand trial in criminal court. Hakimi had appealed that decision to the Court of Cassation, which was his final legal recourse. In February 2026, he was ordered to stand trial before the criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department on the rape charge.
Achraf Hakimi plays for Paris Saint-Germain and the Morocco national team. He has been a prominent figure in the football world, and this case has garnered significant attention. The Court of Cassation's decision to uphold the trial is a significant development in the case.
The plaintiff's allegations against Hakimi have been consistent throughout the investigation. She claims that Hakimi's actions caused her significant distress and that she is seeking justice. The trial is expected to take place in the coming months, although a date has not been set.
The case highlights the complexities and challenges of prosecuting high-profile individuals for serious crimes. The Court of Cassation's decision to uphold the trial ensures that the case will proceed to trial, where Hakimi will face allegations of rape. The outcome of the trial remains uncertain, but the decision marks a significant step forward in the case.
Key points
- Hakimi faces a rape charge for an alleged incident in 2023.
- The Court of Cassation upheld the decision to send Hakimi to trial.
- The plaintiff's lawyer stated that her client is determined to obtain justice.
