Paris Saint-Germain defender, Achraf Hakimi has vowed to fight allegations of rape in court after learning he will stand trial in France, insisting the legal process will finally allow the truth to emerge.
The Morocco international, who strongly denies the accusation, reacted publicly after French prosecutors confirmed that the case, dating back to February 2023, has been committed to trial.
“A Rape Accusation Is Enough to Justify a Trial” – Hakimi
Responding on X, the 26-year-old full-back shared his frustration at what he described as an unjust process, while reaffirming his confidence in the courts.
“Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial,” Hakimi wrote.
“This is as unjust to the innocent as it is to the genuine victims. I calmly await this trial, which will allow the truth to come out publicly.”
Hakimi was formally placed under preliminary charges of rape in March 2023, after a woman, then aged 24 alleged that he assaulted her at his home in the south-east of Paris.
Under French law, preliminary charges indicate that judges believe there is serious suspicion of an offence, while further investigations are carried out before deciding whether the case should proceed to trial.
Lawyers Confirm Achraf Hakimi Trial
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, and the prosecutor in the Nanterre suburb of Paris both confirmed to French media that a trial has now been ordered.
Colin strongly criticised the decision, arguing that the case rests on fragile foundations.
“A trial has been ordered based on an accusation that rests solely on the word of a woman who obstructed all investigations, refused all medical examinations and DNA testing, refused access to her mobile phone, and refused to provide the name of a key witness,” Colin said.
She further claimed that psychological assessments undermined the credibility of the allegations.
“Two successive psychological assessments of the plaintiff revealed a lack of clarity regarding the facts she claims to denounce, as well as the absence of any post-traumatic symptoms.”
On the other side, Rachel-Flore Pardo, who represents the woman bringing the complaint, welcomed the decision to move the case to trial.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Pardo said her client received the news “with relief.”
“It is fully consistent with the evidence in the file,” she added.
Pardo also framed the case within a broader societal context, referencing the challenges faced by victims in elite sport.
“If the justice system has been exemplary in this case, the broader handling of this affair serves as a reminder of one thing: There remain environments where the Me Too movement has yet to break the sound barrier, chief among them the world of men’s professional football.”
PSG Focused on Champions League Football Fixture
Amid the serious legal backdrop, Hakimi remains part of Paris Saint-Germain’s squad as the club prepares for a crucial European night.
PSG are set to face AS Monaco in the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie on Wednesday.
When asked whether Hakimi’s legal situation would affect the team or his role as vice-captain, PSG head coach Luis Enrique declined to elaborate.
“This is in the hands of the justice system,” Luis Enrique said during his pre-match press conference.
With a trial now confirmed, Hakimi’s case will move into a public legal phase that could take months to resolve.
Until then, the PSG defender continues to maintain his innocence.
