Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape after his appeal was rejected.
The Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco star is alleged to have raped a 24-year-old woman at his home in Paris on February 25, 2023.
## What happened?
The public prosecutor started an investigation in March 2023 and a judge ordered a trial in February of this year.
Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said in a statement: “After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after my client was, in her view, defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defence, this decision brings her relief and hope.”
## Why it matters for Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi wrote on X: “Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: ‘If you weren't famous, there never would have been a case.’
I chose to remain silent for years.
I thought that staying dignified, being patient, and trusting the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made.
## What comes next?
The PSG right-back previously addressed the allegations in September.
“For me, it’s the hardest thing that’s ever happened to me," he told Canal+.
“And the truth is, it’s the hardest blow I’ve ever suffered.
I think it was pretty hard for me, and it still is, because when they keep telling lie after lie, it hurts.
It hurts for my family, for my children, who are young and don’t know what the internet or reading is.
I know that at some point in their lives they’ll read things, and for me, seeing that something about their father has been written and on top of that, it’s a lie, is not very pleasant, and I honestly wouldn’t wish that on them.
Hakimi will captain Morocco in their second World Cup match against Scotland on Friday.
A trial date has not yet been set.
The investigation started in March 2023, and a judge ordered a trial in February of this year, as Achraf Hakimi awaits his fate.
The plaintiff's lawyer expressed relief and hope for her client.
Achraf Hakimi's statement on X expressed his trust in the justice system.
He has been waiting for the trial since day one.
The trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in the world of men's football.
Achraf Hakimi's lawyer told him that the case could happen.
They are calm and know what Hakimi has been accused of.
It’s a lie, and Hakimi knows who he is.
He knows he hasn’t done anything, and he never would.
He asked to speak to the police to explain his version.
The police have his DNA, and Hakimi was available whenever they needed him.
The truth is, Hakimi is calm, and he knows he’s in good hands with his lawyer.
Justice is doing its work, and Hakimi hopes the truth comes out soon.
The World Cup star has seen an appeal rejected.
Achraf Hakimi will have the chance to speak in the trial.
The decision brings relief and hope to the plaintiff.
The trial will be a significant step in the case.
Achraf Hakimi's statement expressed his desire to speak and clear his name.
The investigation and trial are ongoing.
The World Cup star's fate is uncertain.
Achraf Hakimi's future is unclear.
The trial's outcome will be crucial for Hakimi's career and personal life.
The plaintiff's lawyer is hopeful about the trial's outcome.
Achraf Hakimi's lawyer is confident in his client's innocence.
The case has been ongoing for over three years.
The trial date has not been set yet.
Achraf Hakimi's appeal was rejected.
The World Cup star will stand trial for rape.
The allegations have been denied by Hakimi.
The plaintiff's lawyer expressed hope for the trial.
Achraf Hakimi's statement on X was emotional.
The World Cup star's future is uncertain.
The trial's outcome will be significant.
The case has been ongoing for a long time.
The plaintiff's lawyer is hopeful about the trial.
Achraf Hakimi's lawyer is confident in his client's innocence.
The World Cup star will have the chance to speak in the trial.
The decision brings relief and hope to the plaintiff.
The trial will be a significant step in the case.
Achraf Hakimi's statement expressed his desire to speak and clear his name.
The investigation and trial are ongoing.
The World Cup star's fate is uncertain.
The trial's outcome will be crucial for Hakimi's career and personal life.