Achraf Hakimi, the 27-year-old right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, has been under investigation for rape since late 2023 following a report filed by a 23-year-old woman (at the time of the alleged incident) with the police. On Tuesday, AFP, citing the lawyer’s announcement and statements relayed by Le Parisien, reported that the player has been ordered to stand trial.
Hakimi: “I am calmly awaiting this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”
“Today, an accusation of rape is enough to justify a trial, even though I deny it and everything proves it is false,” Achraf Hakimi reacted on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s as unfair to the innocent as it is to the sincere victims. I am calmly awaiting this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.” “A trial has been ordered based on an accusation resting solely on the word of a woman who obstructed all investigations, refused all medical examinations and DNA tests, refused to allow the analysis of her cell phone, and refused to name a key witness,” reacted the player’s lawyer, Fanny Colin.
Colin stated that the victim’s “two psychological evaluations” “revealed a lack of lucidity regarding the events she claims to be denouncing” and emphasized in particular “that she attempted to conceal from the judicial authorities several messages exchanged with one of her friends, who were planning to rob Mr. Hakimi.”
“Pardo had stated that ‘nothing in this case allows us to characterize an attempted extortion.’”
Following the prosecution’s request to send the footballer to trial for rape, Pardo had stated that “nothing in this case allows us to characterize an attempted extortion.” “We will not tolerate any smear campaigns or attempts to destabilize us, as is unfortunately still too often the case for women who have the courage to report the rapes they have suffered,” she added. “We are determined and ready to fight as we await this trial so that justice may be served,” asserted Mr. Colin.
As always with a legal case, we remain extremely cautious. Nothing is certain, with versions from each side that are “necessarily” different. We must let justice take its course, unravel the various elements, accounts, and arguments. We shouldn’t rush to judgment.
If the player is ultimately found guilty, there will be reason for disappointment among the fans. But we are not at that point yet. Hakimi is defending himself calmly and must also be heard. This is not a case to be taken lightly or hastily.
