Overview
- The Cour d'appel de Versailles confirmed on Friday that a judge’s February referral for trial was justified and that Achraf Hakimi will face a criminal court on a rape charge from February 2023.
- The woman who brought the complaint, speaking publicly for the first time under the pseudonym 'Jeanne', says she was raped after meeting Hakimi via Instagram and wants a trial to be heard and believed.
- Hakimi has repeatedly denied the allegations, called them a 'false accusation' on social media, and said he is awaiting the chance to speak at trial.
- Key procedural facts are unchanged: Hakimi was placed under formal investigation and judicial supervision in March 2023, the appeals ruling does not determine guilt, and no trial date has been announced.
- The case has drawn intense public attention because of Hakimi’s role at PSG and as Morocco captain, could call high-profile witnesses, and may prompt further pretrial steps such as witness citations or legal appeals before a trial is scheduled.