Achraf Hakimi Referred to Criminal Court Over Rape Allegation

Moroccan international footballer Achraf Hakimi has been formally referred to a criminal court in France over a rape allegation linked to an incident said to have occurred in 2023, a development that has reignited public debate around due process and high-profile sexual assault cases.

According to judicial sources, Hakimi is accused of raping a young woman at his residence in February 2023. The complainant reportedly met the football star through social media before visiting his home on February 25, 2023, where the alleged incident occurred.

The referral to a criminal court follows months of investigation by French authorities. It does not represent a verdict but signifies that prosecutors believe there is sufficient basis for the case to proceed to trial, where evidence and testimonies will be examined publicly.

Hakimi Responds to Allegations

Reacting to the development, Hakimi issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), strongly denying the accusation and maintaining his innocence.

“Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything proves that it is false,” he wrote.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender further emphasized his confidence in the judicial process, stating that the trial would ultimately establish the truth.

“It is as unfair to the innocent as it is to sincere victims. I await this trial calmly, which will allow the truth to come out publicly,” Hakimi added.

Legal Context

Under French law, referral to a criminal court does not equate to guilt. Legal experts note that such cases often involve complex evidentiary standards, particularly when allegations rely heavily on personal testimony.

Hakimi continues to deny all charges and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.