Achraf Hakimi appeals rape trial ruling in France

Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi has lodged an appeal with France’s Court of Cassation following a decision to send him to trial before the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court over rape allegations he has consistently denied since the investigation began in 2023, reports AFP. Notably, this appeal does not involve contesting a conviction, as the trial has yet to occur.

This legal move contests the Versailles Court of Appeal's decision from June 19, which confirmed the investigating judge’s ruling that there was enough evidence to proceed to trial.

The Court of Cassation’s role isn't to re-evaluate the facts or assess the credibility of individuals. Instead, it examines whether legal and procedural rules were correctly applied in the lower courts. Hakimi’s legal team can, therefore, challenge the rationale behind the decision or claim legal errors, aiming for an overturn of the ruling.

If the appeal is denied, the trial will advance in the criminal court, where the Paris Saint-Germain player can present his defense. Should the Court of Cassation overturn the decision, the case will return to another investigating chamber for reconsideration on whether he should face trial.

Since March 2023, Hakimi has maintained his innocence and looks forward to confronting the accusations in court to prove his case.