Criminal Investigators in France will Request a Court Trial for Rape Charges Against Footballer, Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
In a shocking turn of events, Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been requested to stand trial over an alleged rape incident that occurred in February 2023. The Moroccan international footballer, who has been a cornerstone of his country's footballing resurgence, vehemently denies the charges against him.
The incident took place at Hakimi's residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris. According to the woman's statement, she met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 and was later invited to his home. She claimed that Hakimi made unwanted sexual advances and eventually raped her. However, it's important to note that the woman did not file a formal complaint, but her statement was used by prosecutors to move ahead with charges.
The woman also claimed that Hakimi paid for her taxi fare to his residence. Prosecutors have asked the investigating magistrate to refer the case to a criminal court, a decision that now awaits.
Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, has publicly stated that there is "strong evidence" clearing him of any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence. Colin alleged that Hakimi was the victim of "an attempted extortion," a claim rejected by the woman's legal team. Rachel-Flore Pardo, the accuser's lawyer, countered that there was no evidence of attempted extortion in the case.
Born in Getafe, a suburb of Madrid, to Moroccan parents who migrated to Spain in the 1980s, Hakimi rose through Real Madrid's youth academy before launching his professional career. He has played for Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan before joining PSG. His performances for Morocco, including helping the Atlas Lions reach the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, have earned him a significant following.
Kylian Mbappé, another PSG player, has expressed support for Hakimi amidst the allegations. Should Hakimi be convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison. The legal process is ongoing, with the next key step being the judge's decision on the case referral.
This is a developing story and more details will be released as the investigation progresses.
The criminal court case referral for Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, facing rape allegations from February 2023, is pending. The incident occurred at Hakimi's residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris, where he allegedly invited a woman he met on Instagram. Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, believes there is strong evidence of his innocence and claims an attempted extortion occurred, a claim rejected by the woman's legal team. Born in Spain, Hakimi is currently a prominent player for both PSG and the Moroccan national team, having played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan. The outcome of this high-profile sports and general-news story may affect European leagues, including the Champions League, given the influential nature of Hakimi's performances.
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