The French Court of Cassation has upheld a decision to put Moroccan soccer player Achraf Hakimi on trial for allegedly raping a young woman. The court's ruling confirms a previous decision by the Court of Appeal on June 19. Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, has denied the allegations. The case dates back to February 2023 when a 24-year-old woman reported being raped by Hakimi at his home.
The alleged incident occurred on February 25, 2023, and the woman reported it to police in Nogent-sur-Marne, a suburb of Paris. An investigation was launched, and the case was transferred to the prosecutor's office in Nanterre. Hakimi has been under judicial supervision since March 2023 and was questioned by judicial authorities in December of the same year. His lawyers have argued that the allegations are unfounded.
The Court of Appeal confirmed the charges against Hakimi in June, just as he was participating in the World Cup with the Moroccan national team. His lawyer, Fanny Collin, stated that the court had not discussed or examined the facts of the case. She added that during the trial, they would highlight the obstacles to revealing the truth, including the alleged concealment of messages indicating a plan to blackmail or rob Hakimi.
The case has been ongoing for over three years, with Hakimi's lawyers maintaining his innocence. The prosecution has argued that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial. The Court of Cassation's decision confirms that Hakimi will face trial on charges of rape. The trial date has not been set.
Hakimi's case has garnered significant attention due to his high profile as a soccer player. His team, Paris Saint-Germain, has not commented on the allegations. The Moroccan Football Federation has also remained silent on the matter. The case highlights the challenges of prosecuting high-profile individuals accused of serious crimes.
The alleged victim reported being raped by Hakimi at his home in Paris. She claimed that he had forced her into a sexual act against her will. Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations, and his lawyers have argued that the prosecution's case is weak. The trial is expected to draw significant media attention.
The French justice system has come under scrutiny for its handling of high-profile cases involving allegations of sexual assault. The Hakimi case has raised questions about the ability of the justice system to handle such cases fairly and efficiently. The trial will be closely watched by fans, media, and human rights groups.
Key points
- The French Court of Cassation has upheld charges against Moroccan soccer player Achraf Hakimi for allegedly raping a young woman.
- Hakimi has denied the allegations and his lawyers have argued that the prosecution's case is weak.
- The trial date has not been set, but it is expected to draw significant media attention.
