Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi has announced his readiness to face legal proceedings regarding rape charges, asserting his intent to defend himself publicly. As he participates in the ongoing World Cup with the Moroccan national team, he received a notification that the Versailles Court of Appeal has referred his case to the Criminal Court.
Hakimi, currently a player for Paris Saint-Germain, expressed his feelings following the court’s decision. He stated that he has been anticipating this legal hearing since the case’s inception, emphasizing a desire to share his side of the story.
“The justice system looked me in the eye and said: ‘If you weren’t famous, there would never have been a case,’” he remarked. He added that he had chosen silence for years, believing that patience and trust in the legal system would facilitate a fair resolution.
In his statement, Hakimi conveyed frustration over what he perceives as a misrepresentation of his situation. “Today, a story that is not my own is being told at the expense of my family, my life and, above all, the truth,” he stated. He concluded by expressing anticipation for the trial, viewing it as an opportunity to finally speak out.