Achraf Hakimi: French Supreme Court confirms rape trial after appeal rejection

20:00

The legal proceedings involving Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi have moved closer to a trial after France’s Court of Cassation rejected his appeal on Wednesday, September 23, confirming his referral to a departmental criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine region.

The decision follows a ruling by the Versailles Court of Appeal in June, which had upheld the decision to send the Paris Saint-Germain defender before a criminal court in connection with allegations dating back to February 2023. Hakimi subsequently challenged that decision before the Court of Cassation.

According to Bertrand Périer, the lawyer representing the complainant before the Court of Cassation, the court rejected the appeal on the grounds that no serious legal argument justified its admission. His statement was reported by L’Équipe and attributed to a judicial source.

A decision on procedure, not guilt

The latest ruling does not determine whether Hakimi is guilty or innocent. It confirms that the case can proceed to a trial, where the allegations and evidence will be examined by the competent criminal court.

Hakimi has consistently denied the accusations. The case concerns allegations made by a young woman following an encounter at the footballer’s home in February 2023. The investigation subsequently led to his referral for trial.

In June, the Versailles Court of Appeal said the investigation had produced sufficient grounds to justify referring Hakimi to the departmental criminal court of Hauts-de-Seine. That decision was itself challenged by the player before France’s highest court.

Proceedings now move toward trial

With the appeal rejected, the judicial process enters a new phase. The eventual trial will provide the setting in which the parties can present their respective arguments and where the court will examine the facts at issue.

For Hakimi, who remains a leading figure in the Moroccan national team and a player for Paris Saint-Germain, the proceedings represent a significant legal development alongside his sporting career.