I’m at Peace, Hakimi Says Amid Rape Allegation
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, who is facing a rape charge in France, has said he is at peace with himself and confident that the truth will clear his name.
French prosecutors last month requested that the 26-year-old Morocco international be sent to trial over allegations that he raped a 24-year-old woman he met on social media.
“I know that what I am accused of is a lie,” Hakimi told journalist Mouloud Achour in an interview for Canal+ programme “Clique,” a clip of which aired on Wednesday night.
“I know that I have not done anything and that I would never do that. Today, I have peace of mind, hoping that the truth will soon be revealed,” he added in Spanish.
Hakimi, who played a key role in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, was charged in March 2023.
He allegedly invited the woman to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt on 25 February 2023, while his wife, from whom he is now divorced, and their children were away on holiday.
The woman later went to a police station and accused him of rape.
Although she declined to file a formal complaint, prosecutors went ahead with the case.
Hakimi has insisted he is the victim of an extortion attempt. But the alleged victim’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, dismissed that claim, telling AFP, “Nothing in the case lends in any way to a characterising of extortion. Mr Hakimi is trying to create a counter-fire that we are used to in cases of sexual violence.”
Despite the case, Hakimi has continued to play for PSG and Morocco, and earlier this year won the Champions League with the French club.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
