6 hrs ago
French Court Upholds Decision Sending PSG’s Hakimi to Rape Trial
A French court decided that footballer Achraf Hakimi must face a trial over a rape accusation.
The accusation concerns an alleged incident in 2023.
Hakimi says he did not commit the offense and has denied the allegation from the beginning.
His lawyer said the latest court only decided whether the case should go to trial.
The lawyer said the evidence supporting Hakimi will be shown publicly during the trial.
The woman who made the accusation says she wants justice.
Her lawyer said the decision showed that the earlier court’s reasoning was strong.
Paris Saint-Germain said Hakimi is presumed innocent.
The trial will examine the evidence and decide what happened.
France’s highest court for civil and criminal matters rejected Achraf Hakimi’s appeal against a rape-trial order.
Hakimi is accused of raping a woman in 2023, an allegation he has repeatedly denied.
The case will proceed before the criminal court in France’s Hauts-de-Seine department.
Hakimi’s lawyer said the Court of Cassation did not assess the allegations and that his defense evidence will be presented at trial.
The woman’s lawyer welcomed the decision, while Paris Saint-Germain said Hakimi remains presumed innocent.
- Who
- Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco footballer Achraf Hakimi is accused by a woman who reported him to police.
- What
- The Court of Cassation upheld the decision to send Hakimi to trial on a rape charge.
- Where
- The trial is expected to take place before the criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department, France.
- When
- The latest decision was issued on Wednesday; the alleged rape was reported in February 2023.
- Why
- The case is proceeding because French courts upheld the decision that the rape allegation should be examined at trial.
Accuser and Prosecution Case
Hakimi’s Defense
Whether the case should proceed to trial
Accuser and Prosecution Case
The woman’s lawyer said the decision reflected the strength and rigor of the appeals court’s reasoning and that the plaintiff is determined to seek justice.
Hakimi’s Defense
Hakimi’s lawyer said the allegations have not been examined on their merits by the Court of Cassation and should be addressed at trial.
What happened during the alleged encounter
Accuser and Prosecution Case
The woman told police that Hakimi kissed and touched her without consent before raping her, and that she pushed him away and contacted a friend.
Hakimi’s Defense
Hakimi has firmly denied the allegations from the beginning; his lawyer said his defense evidence will be presented publicly at trial.
Hakimi’s conduct during the investigation
Accuser and Prosecution Case
The plaintiff’s lawyer said her client had been slandered and dragged through the mud by Hakimi’s defense.
Hakimi’s Defense
Hakimi’s lawyer said he cooperated fully with police and judicial authorities and would continue to do so.
Key facts
- Defendant
- Achraf Hakimi, a Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco footballer
- Charge
- Rape
- Alleged incident
- Reportedly occurred in 2023
- Latest ruling
- The Court of Cassation upheld the decision to send Hakimi to trial
- Trial venue
- Criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department
- Hakimi’s position
- He has repeatedly denied the allegation
- Club position
- Paris Saint-Germain said Hakimi remains protected by the presumption of innocence
Quotes
Paris Saint-Germain
Football club employing Achraf Hakimi
“After three and a half years of legal battles, after being slandered and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defence, my client is determined to obtain justice; she will fight to the very end,”
wionews.com
“The club is committed to ensuring a calm and respectful working environment for its player, in accordance with the fundamental principles of the rule of law,”
wionews.com
