Paris Saint Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial in France over a rape allegation dating back to 2023, his lawyer, Ms. Fanny Colin, confirmed in a statement to French media. The case stems from an accusation made by a woman in February 2023, when she reported that Hakimi assaulted her after visiting his home in the Paris suburb of Boulogne Billancourt. Hakimi has consistently denied all wrongdoing and maintains his innocence.
In her statement on France Info, Colin criticised the basis for the decision to send the case to trial, arguing that it rests solely on the accuser’s testimony and that key investigative steps were not completed. She said the legal team is prepared to fight the referral and is awaiting the trial so that justice can be served.
“It is with determination and resolve that we await this trial so that justice may be served. A trial has been ordered in the presence of an accusation that rests solely on the word of a woman who obstructed all investigations, who refused all medical examinations and DNA searches, who refused the exploitation of her mobile phone, who refused to provide the name of a key witness.”
“A woman whose two successive psychological assessments have revealed a lack of clarity regarding the facts she claims to denounce, and even the absence of any post traumatic symptoms. All this while she attempted to conceal from the judicial authorities several messages exchanged with one of her friends plotting to ‘strip’ Mr. Hakimi of his assets.”
The allegation has been under investigation since early 2023, and the Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed that the criminal referral was ordered earlier this week. Hakimi took to social media to deny the accusation, stating that a rape allegation alone is sufficient to justify a trial in France even when he contests it and believes evidence shows it is false, and that he awaits the process calmly so the truth can emerge publicly.
Hakimi continues to train and remain part of PSG’s squad as proceedings move forward. The case is now set to be examined by a criminal court, where both sides will present their evidence.