Hakimi Stands Tall: 'Truth Will Come Out' in Rape Probe
'I'm calm. But being falsely accused is horrible and unfair. I wouldn't wish it on anyone,' said Hakimi, who faces a potential trial over an incident dating back to February 2023 at his Boulogne-Billancourt home.
The Nanterre prosecutor has requested Hakimi be tried before the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court, with the charges carrying up to 15 years in prison. However, Hakimi has maintained from the outset that the encounter was consensual and accused the complainant of attempted blackmail.
'I don't blame myself. People who know me understand who I am. I'm focusing on my family and football. I know the truth will come out,' he added.
Recent revelations from L'Équipe show troubling messages from the complainant's phone suggesting a possible premeditated intent. The complainant admitted during questioning that she did not clearly express refusal, telling a psychologist: 'We kissed, I wanted it to end, but I didn't really make it clear.' Experts note Hakimi likely had no insight into her internal conflict.
Hakimi's lawyer, Me Fanny Colin, criticised the prosecution's position as 'incomprehensible and senseless,' citing contradictions in the complainant's statements revealed by psychological reports.
Meanwhile, Hakimi has emerged as a key figure in PSG's remarkable season, which saw the club win Ligue 1, the Champions League, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions. The right-back, who played 63 matches with 13 goals and 15 assists, was named among 30 Ballon d'Or nominees—a first for him.
His PSG teammates Ousmane Dembélé, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Juan Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué also feature on the list. Other top contenders include Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, and Erling Haaland. Tags: Achraf HakimiBallon D'orPSGRape case
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
an hour ago
- Morocco World
Hassan II Foundation Denounces Wave of Anti-Moroccan Incidents Across Spain
Marrakech – The Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Living Abroad has issued a formal statement condemning a series of anti-Moroccan incidents and attacks that have occurred in Spain. In a press release published on Tuesday, the Foundation expressed 'the greatest concern' over what it called 'ominous developments that have no place in a democratic society.' 'In less than a month, the Moroccan community established in Spain has been the victim of serious incidents,' the statement noted. These include the burning of a mosque in Piera, organized violence against Moroccans ('Moor hunt') in Torre-Pacheco, hate messages on social media, and restrictions on Muslim worship practices in Jumilla. The Foundation also pointed to the suspension of Arabic language and cultural education programs by the autonomous community of Madrid and other municipalities as part of this troubling pattern. The violence in Torre-Pacheco began on July 9 when a 68-year-old man was assaulted. Far-right groups quickly distorted the incident, presenting it as evidence of 'migrant crime' and calling for action on the streets. By July 12-13, the situation had escalated into organized violence after online calls for a 'cacería' (hunt) targeting migrants. At least five people were injured and one person was detained during the second night of clashes; police deployed reinforcements as groups wearing far-right symbols confronted mostly North African (notably Moroccan) residents. Four nights of tension followed, with police charges, cordons, and dozens of incidents logged across the San Antonio neighborhood, where many Moroccan families live. Reuters called it 'one of the worst such episodes in Spain in recent decades,' noting Torre-Pacheco's large foreign-born workforce in agriculture and recalling the El Ejido riots (2000) as the last comparable shock. The Foundation stated it had previously warned about rising xenophobia. 'In 2010, during an academic meeting in Seville, the Foundation had already alerted against the rise of xenophobic and Islamophobic discourse on social networks,' the press release stated. 'If, at the time, this discourse was considered imported from abroad, it is unfortunately today endogenous and expresses growing hostility towards Moroccans and foreigners.' From a street assault to organized racist 'hunts' Misinformation played a key role in inflaming and fueling tensions. A viral video clip misrepresented as showing the assault on the pensioner was later debunked by the victim himself, the town hall, and the Guardia Civil. The footage actually originated from an unrelated incident months earlier in Almería. Fact-checking units documented more hoaxes, including a list of 'five Maghrebis' falsely named as suspects. Spain's public broadcaster and international outlets traced how Instagram/Telegram call-to-action posts turned into on-the-ground hunts; the Interior Minister condemned the 'racist persecutions' and blamed the far right's online ecosystem for escalation. Spanish authorities have responded with legal action. By July 24, police had identified approximately 300 individuals for possible offenses connected to the unrest. Charges range from public disorder to hate crimes. A suspected leader of the supremacist network 'Deport Them Now UE' was arrested in Mataró for allegedly inciting the violence in Torre-Pacheco. Prosecutors have opened hate-crime investigations into public statements surrounding the riots, including those made by José Ángel Antelo, the Vox regional leader in Murcia. The scope of these incidents extended beyond Torre-Pacheco. On July 12, arsonists destroyed a newly constructed mosque in Piera, near Barcelona. More than 1,000 people later marched in protest under the banner 'Mezquita sí, odio no' (Mosque yes, hatred no). The Foundation acknowledged those who opposed these acts. It recognized 'the public and moral authorities, political parties, various components of civil society and the press who have reacted firmly and with dignity to these sad events.' In its conclusion, the Foundation offered support to affected Moroccan citizens. 'The Foundation also pays tribute to the courage, maturity and civic-mindedness of our Moroccan compatriots who are victims of these drifts and assures them of its full solidarity, support and assistance in defending their rights and interests.' Spain's anti-racism observatory (OBERAXE) recorded more than 54,000 hate-speech items in June alone, indicating a sharp increase that contributed to July's violence. At the European level, MEPs have formally questioned the Commission regarding the 'grave racist attacks' in Torre-Pacheco and the role of far-right coordination online. The UN Alliance of Civilizations chief Miguel Ángel Moratinos condemned both the arson and the wider racist climate in Spain. Read also: Spanish PM, Moroccan Consulate Condemn Hostile Attacks on Moroccans, Migrants
Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Morocco World
Donnarumma Out at PSG – Chevalier Takes Over in PSG's System
Gianluigi Donnarumma has confirmed he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian goalkeeper said he felt 'disappointed and disheartened' after being told he was no longer in the club's plans. In his farewell message, he thanked the fans and said Paris would always hold a special place in his heart. 'Playing for this club and living in this city has been an immense honour. Thank you, Paris.' PSG coach Luis Enrique described the decision as purely tactical. He called Donnarumma 'one of the best goalkeepers in the world,' but stressed he needs a keeper more comfortable playing with his feet. 'Donnarumma is one of the best players in the world, without a doubt, and even better as a person. However, this is the life of a top-level footballer, and I'm 100% responsible for this difficult decision. If it were easy, anyone would do it. These decisions have to do with the profile of the goalkeeper my team needs.' Enrique's approach mirrors his philosophy from Barcelona, where the goalkeeper is integrated into the attack and helps control possession. He wants a keeper calm under pressure, capable of precise passing—a style he learned at La Masia and continues to apply in Paris. PSG have already signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille. Chevalier is known for his confidence with the ball, quick decision-making, and passing ability—qualities that align more closely with Enrique's vision than Donnarumma. PSG captain Marquinhos praised Donnarumma, saying he 'helped write the club's history' and deserved thanks from everyone. 'It's always difficult. I've been here for 12 or 13 years, I've seen players to whom it happened before—key players, important ones—who were told at the end of the transfer window that they had to leave. It's our life, it's football. All we can do is give the maximum while we're at the club and ask the same of others. I too, one day, will leave and I hope to do it in the best possible conditions. The players come and go, but the club and the supporters remain.' Achraf Hakimi also paid tribute on social media, posting: 'Uno di noi' ('One of us'), reflecting the respect and bond Donnarumma had in the dressing room. Fans responded with a mix of sadness and gratitude. Social media was flooded with messages thanking him, sharing images of his greatest saves, and calling him a hero of PSG's Champions League triumph. Others criticised the decision, struggling to imagine the team without 'Gigi' in goal. Donnarumma leaves on a high. Last season, he played a pivotal role in PSG's first-ever Champions League win, making crucial saves in the knockout rounds and staying calm in the 5-0 final victory over Inter Milan. Comparing the two keepers, Donnarumma offers elite reflexes and big-match experience, while Chevalier fits better into PSG's possession-based system. The choice is about style, not quality. Attention now turns to Donnarumma's next move. Manchester City are interested, especially if Ederson leaves. A return to AC Milan is possible, while Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea are also monitoring the situation Tags: ChelseaDonnarummaManchester UnitedPSGUEFA champions league
Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Morocco World
Real Madrid Stand Tall at Top of UEFA Rankings
Real Madrid continue to assert their dominance in European football, holding the number one spot in UEFA's club rankings ahead of the new season. The Spanish giants have long been synonymous with Champions League success, their record 15 titles putting them well ahead of any rival. UEFA's club rankings, which track performance over five seasons, highlight just how consistently the men in white have performed on the continental stage. Real Madrid are the top-ranked club. According to UEFA's official website, Real Madrid's points over the past four seasons read 30, 29, 34 and 24.5, bringing their total to 117.5 points heading into the upcoming campaign. Their nearest challengers are Bayern Munich with 108.25 points, followed by Inter Milan on 107.25. Barcelona are the highest-placed Spanish side after Real, sitting ninth with 83.25 points. Last season marked a relative low for Real, as they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Arsenal, the weakest contribution in their five-year tally. Los Blancos will now aim to return to their usual standard and push deeper in the Champions League next season. Tags: Real MadridUEFA champions league
