Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial on rape charges by an appeal court in Versailles, a legal development that has drawn significant attention, particularly as he continues to play for his national team. Hakimi, a key player for Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain, has maintained his innocence throughout the process.
The allegations stem from an incident in January 2023, when a woman claimed she met Hakimi through Instagram and later went to his home. She alleges that the player kissed her without consent, touched her inappropriately, and sexually assaulted her. The woman reported the incident to the police two days later, though she initially declined to press charges or undergo a physical examination, citing concerns for her own safety and Hakimi's reputation.
However, French prosecutors initiated their own investigation, a move consistent with evolving public policy on alleged sexual violence. News of the complaint was subsequently leaked to the press.
During the investigation, text messages exchanged between the accuser and a friend were presented. Some messages sent by the accuser on the night in question indicated distress. However, other messages, including those shared with the friend and not initially provided to the police, suggested a different context, with one mentioning an intention to obtain security codes to Hakimi's flat and another expressing excitement upon arrival. Hakimi's legal team has characterized the claims as an 'attempted extortion'.
When questioned by the presiding magistrate, the accuser stated she could not recall specific details of the events and described her text message stating "he's raping me" as a figure of speech. She also indicated she did not use her phone during the alleged incident.
Hakimi's defense has asserted his innocence, with the player stating he is 'waiting impatiently' to clear his name. He reportedly spent time with another woman earlier on the night in question before turning to the accuser. The accuser's perspective, as reported, is that the evening concluded when Hakimi realized no sexual encounter would occur.
Despite the complexities of the case, including conflicting accounts and evidence, Hakimi has continued his football career. His former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe has publicly supported him, and Morocco's manager has also spoken on his behalf. Nevertheless, Hakimi has faced boos from crowds during recent matches, reflecting the divided public sentiment surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings.