French prosecutors have called for the transfer of Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi, star of Paris Saint-Germain, to the High Court of Hauts-de-Seine on charges of rape. According to “Le Parisien,” the prosecution has filed a charge memo indicating that the evidence is sufficient to proceed to trial in a case dating back to February 2023. Should he be convicted, the player could face a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
The case stems from accusations by a 24-year-old French woman who claimed Hakimi sexually assaulted her in his home in Boulogne-Billancourt after they connected via Instagram, during which he arranged an Uber ride for her. The woman did not file an official complaint but reported the incident to the police, stating that she was assaulted despite her resistance.
Hakimi has denied all allegations, asserting that the incident was an attempt at financial extortion. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, described the woman’s account as “inconsistent,” noting that she refused to undergo medical or psychological examinations. She emphasized that the prosecution only collected evidence incriminating Hakimi, while the defense possesses strong data that could exonerate him, which will be presented during the potential trial.
The complainant’s lawyer, Rachel-Flor Bardo, expressed her client’s relief at the advancement of the case, referring to the prosecution’s request as “a step towards justice.” On the other hand, Hakimi’s attorney stated she is “calm” and confident in her client’s innocence, pointing out the absence of any psychological or physical indicators typically associated with such cases, like post-traumatic stress.
The case has generated widespread controversy since it emerged in early 2023, resulting in Hakimi being placed under judicial oversight and prohibited from contacting the complainant. During this time, Paris Saint-Germain expressed support for the player, affirming their confidence in the judiciary. So far, there has been no official comment from Hakimi or the club regarding this latest development, while anticipation grows around the case’s outcome and its implications for the player’s career.
