Some news from earlier on today involving Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
A French appeals court confirmed Hakimi will stand trial in a rape case. The PSG defender had appealed a February decision by an investigative judge.
That ruling followed recommendations from public prosecutors that Hakimi should face trial.
Hakimi, one of the best right backs in the world, denies any wrongdoing. He faced preliminary charges of rape in March 2023 after a 24-year-old woman said she was raped by Hakimi at his home in a Paris suburb.
The Versailles appeals court said in a press statement that it ordered Hakimi be formally charged with rape.
The court said that the investigations conducted during the inquiry and the judicial investigation led the investigating chamber to conclude that there is sufficient evidence against the player to stand trial.
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the claimant, said that after more than three years of legal proceedings, ‘and after being defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defence,’ the court’s decision ‘brings my client a sense of relief and hope.’
Following the news, Hakimi posted on social media: ‘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. Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. Sometimes I feel like I’ve become an easy target.
‘I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I will be able to speak.’
