Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi, whose referral for trial on rape charges was upheld by an appeals court, has lodged an appeal with France's Court of Cassation. A source close to the case informed AFP on Friday of this development. The appeals court confirmed on June 19 that Hakimi, a player for the Moroccan national team and Paris Saint-Germain, would stand trial in criminal court over the alleged rape of a woman in 2023, an accusation he has consistently denied.
Background of the Case
The decision to proceed with the trial came as Hakimi, 27, was captaining the Moroccan team in the 2026 World Cup. Shortly after the Versailles Court of Appeal delivered its ruling, Hakimi expressed on X that he had been "waiting for this trial since day one." His lawyer declined to comment on the appeal to the Court of Cassation, the highest court in the French judicial system for civil and criminal matters.
Details of the Allegations
In February 2023, a woman then aged 24 reported to police in the Val-de-Marne region southeast of Paris that Hakimi had raped her. According to a police source, the plaintiff stated she met Hakimi in January 2023 on Instagram and went to his home in a taxi ordered by the player. She claimed that the player kissed her, touched her without her consent, and then raped her.
Legal Proceedings and Statements
"Every decision handed down in this case has been in favour of the claimant. She will fight to the very end to obtain justice," stated the plaintiff's lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo. The ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities and sensitivities involved in such high-profile cases.
