Hakimi: Moroccan Lawyers Say Case Violates Fair Trial Rights

Morocco World

4 days ago

A group of Moroccan lawyers has accused the French justice system of failing to guarantee a fair trial for footballer Achraf Hakimi, who is under investigation for alleged rape.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Club of Lawyers in Morocco said the case involved 'serious breaches' of legal rights, including delays and lack of clear evidence. The group said the process ignored key parts of both French law and the European Convention on Human Rights, especially the rights to a quick and fair trial and the presumption of innocence.
The lawyers criticised how the case was handled, saying it was driven by media pressure. They also noted that the inquiry began based on a verbal statement, without a formal complaint, medical report, or early cooperation from the woman involved.
They added that the investigation had dragged on for nearly two and a half years between Hakimi's indictment and the final charges, which they say breaks the principle of reasonable delay. 'Justice delayed is justice denied,' the group said, quoting a European court ruling.
Hakimi's legal team has also criticised the case, saying they plan to prove the player's innocence. Reports in the French press have pointed to private messages between the alleged victim and a friend, which suggest the meeting may have been planned differently than claimed.
The incident dates back to February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of sexually assaulting her at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris. She later went to a police station in Nogent-sur-Marne, but did not file a formal complaint. Hakimi was placed under formal investigation for rape on March 3, 2023.
Messages found by investigators show the woman was texting a friend throughout the visit. She claimed she was being assaulted, but also said in her police statement that Hakimi 'was not violent.' Her friend came to collect her afterwards.
Some messages sent before the meeting also raised questions. In them, the woman and her friend joked and referred to playing the role of a 'femme fatale.' One message said they were going to 'crack the codes' and 'rob him.' Hakimi's lawyer said these messages suggest a possible attempt to financially blackmail him.
In his testimony, Hakimi said they kissed and laughed together, but that she made clear nothing more would happen. He said he respected that and that she continued using her phone during the meeting. 'She said nothing would happen the first night. I said OK,' Hakimi told investigators.
Kylian Mbappé, Hakimi's former teammate, also gave a statement in his defence. He said Hakimi had always shown respect for women and that he had never heard any complaints about his behaviour. 'Even when drunk, I've never seen him act out of line,' Mbappé said.
The case has sparked strong reactions online, especially in Morocco. Many fans have questioned the timing of the renewed attention, which came just days before the Ballon d'Or nominations were announced. Some believe it could be an attempt to damage Hakimi's public image.
How did this all begin?
The case began on February 24, 2023, when Hakimi met the woman after chatting on Instagram. She later told police he kissed her without consent but did not file charges.
Hakimi was formally charged on March 3, 2023. Since then, the investigation has continued without a decision on whether the case will go to trial. The Nanterre prosecutor's office has not yet said what will happen next.
French newspaper L'Équipe published several messages exchanged by the woman and her friend. Hakimi's lawyers say these show contradictions and possible intent to harm his reputation. The woman has reportedly refused to hand over all her messages.
So far, no physical evidence has been made public. Tags: afconBallon D'orCAFFranceHakimiMoroccorape