French Appeals Court Confirms Achraf Hakimi Will Stand Trial on Rape Charges
French appeals court confirmed Achraf Hakimi will face trial on rape charges in 2023 case.
Why it matters: The case underscores challenges in sexual assault trials, including evidentiary limits and managing high-profile defendants, which are crucial for criminal defense and prosecution strategies.
- On June 19, 2026, the French appeals court denied dismissal of rape charges against Achraf Hakimi, advancing the case to trial.
- The alleged assault occurred in February 2023 involving a 24-year-old complainant at Hakimi's residence near Paris.
- Hakimi’s defense highlights evidentiary gaps: lack of medical exams, DNA tests, and phone access from the complainant.
- No trial date has been released, leaving the timeline open for this high-profile case.
On June 19, 2026, the French appeals court rejected a request to dismiss rape charges against footballer Achraf Hakimi, confirming that he will stand trial. The alleged incident dates back to February 2023 and involves a 24-year-old woman at Hakimi's Paris-area residence (Courthouse News).
Hakimi continues to deny the accusations. He has expressed concern that his celebrity status influences the legal process, stating: "Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I deny it and everything proves it's false." This comment reflects broader debates about public opinion's impact on justice (Courthouse News).
Defense counsel Fanny Colin outlined significant evidentiary challenges, pointing out that the prosecution’s case mainly relies on the complainant’s account. The investigation was limited because the complainant did not undergo medical exams, provide DNA samples, or permit access to her phone—tools often crucial in corroborating sexual assault claims (Hespress).
The complainant’s lawyer welcomed the appeal court's ruling, viewing the trial as a vital opportunity to address sexual violence allegations involving public figures and to advance discussions on justice in high-profile contexts (Courthouse News).
As of now, no trial date has been announced. Legal professionals should watch how courts navigate evidentiary restrictions and media scrutiny in managing trials involving prominent defendants.
By the numbers:
- June 19, 2026 — Date French appeals court confirmed trial
- February 2023 — Month of alleged assault involving the complainant
- 24 years old — Age of the complainant at the time of the alleged incident
What's next: No official trial date announced; close monitoring expected for proceedings schedule and evidentiary rulings.