PSG defender Achraf Hakimi is now at the precipice of a significant legal battle, as prosecutors in France have formally requested that the football star be sent for trial before a criminal court on allegations of rape. This pivotal development, signed by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office, could see the celebrated Moroccan international facing a substantial prison sentence of up to 15 years if convicted, marking a critical juncture in a case that has spanned more than two years.
The foundation of the legal proceedings traces back to an alleged incident on the night of February 25, 2023. At his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb west of Paris, a 24-year-old woman claims she was subjected to a non-consensual sexual encounter after being invited to the player’s residence. She reportedly engaged in initial messages with Hakimi on Instagram in January, leading to the player arranging transportation for her to his home.
Upon her arrival, the woman alleges that Hakimi began kissing and touching her without her consent. Despite her verbal protests, she claims he forced her to engage in sexual acts. She eventually managed to push him away, leave the premises, and promptly sought help by messaging a friend. The very next day, she reported the alleged rape to the police, although she initially chose not to file a formal complaint.
Crucial evidence, including messages she sent to friends describing the incident, was subsequently provided to investigators, bolstering the claims. This led to a significant escalation on March 3, 2023, when Hakimi was officially placed under formal investigation, which is the French legal equivalent of being charged. The formal indictment request now signals the prosecutors’ conviction that sufficient evidence exists to warrant a full criminal trial, though it emphatically does not equate to a finding of guilt.
Throughout the entire duration of this extensive legal scrutiny, Achraf Hakimi has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, consistently maintaining that the encounter was entirely consensual. Despite the gravity of the allegations, the prominent football player has continued his professional career unabated, representing Paris Saint-Germain on the field and continuing his duties with the Moroccan national team.
Paris Saint-Germain, the renowned football club, has largely remained tight-lipped regarding the specifics of the case. However, the club has consistently shown support for their player, occasionally citing “personal reasons” when Hakimi missed training sessions during particularly sensitive phases of the ongoing investigation. PSG has publicly affirmed its trust in the legal process and its commitment to allowing due course of law.
The legal representatives for both parties have offered contrasting reactions to the latest developments. Hakimi’s lawyer has expressed a calm demeanor, asserting that they remain as steadfast as they were at the initiation of the proceedings and are prepared to pursue all available avenues of appeal should the trial request be approved. Conversely, Rachel-Flore Pardo, the alleged victim’s lawyer, conveyed her client’s “immense relief” at this week’s progression, interpreting it as a clear indication that the justice system is indeed taking her claims with the utmost seriousness they deserve.
As the final decision on whether the case proceeds to trial now rests with the investigating judge, the future of Achraf Hakimi’s career hangs in the balance. This high-profile investigation involving a celebrated professional athlete underscores the rigorous and often lengthy nature of the legal system, as the world of football watches closely for the outcome of this significant judicial process.
