Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been hit with preliminary charges of rape, according to French prosecutors. The Morocco international was questioned by investigators probing rape allegations and was subsequently indicted by an investigating judge, placed under judicial supervision, and prohibited from contacting the alleged victim, a 24-year-old woman who claims she was assaulted at his home in a Paris suburb. Hakimi, 24, has been accused of raping the woman on Saturday, and under French law, preliminary charges mean there is reason to suspect a crime has been committed, allowing magistrates more time to investigate before deciding whether to send the case to trial.
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, said her client “strongly denied accusations made against him” and that the indictment is an “obligatory step for any person being accused of rape,” which will allow Hakimi to defend himself by giving him access to the case. Colin also claimed that some elements collected by the judicial police show that Hakimi “in this case has been subjected to a racketeering attempt.” However, the alleged victim has claimed she was raped by Hakimi.
The Spanish-born defender has been allowed to leave French territory, and prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation. Hakimi returned to training with PSG on Friday after a minor hamstring issue and could be in the team’s squad to play Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the Champions League. PSG coach Christophe Galtier has refused to comment on the case, stating he will “answer no questions of a non-sporting nature” related to Hakimi.
Achraf Hakimi (Via Achraf Hakimi/Twitter)
The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen if Hakimi will face trial. The alleged victim claims she was assaulted by Hakimi last Saturday at his home in a Paris suburb. Hakimi has been a key player for PSG, helping the team make a strong run in the Champions League and French league. The Moroccan international was also honored as part of the men’s all-star team at the Fifa Awards in Paris on Monday.
Hakimi’s case has sparked widespread outrage and shock, with many calling for him to be suspended from all football activities pending the outcome of the investigation. The alleged victim’s account of the incident has been met with disbelief and skepticism by some, with Hakimi’s lawyer attempting to discredit her claims. As the investigation continues, it is unclear what the future holds for Hakimi, both on and off the pitch.
