Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi found himself under intense scrutiny as his alleged involvement in a serious criminal case reached the courtroom. The former Inter Milan right-back, currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain, was referred to trial last Tuesday concerning accusations of sexual assault. This development coincided with PSG’s advancement to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, secured after their recent victory over Monaco.
In a rare glimpse into the defense’s perspective, Hakimi’s attorney, Fanny Collin, spoke exclusively to BFM TV, revealing pivotal elements from the ongoing investigation. According to Collin, Hakimi’s account, substantiated by concrete evidence within the case file, detailed a relationship that commenced through Instagram messages spanning a period of three weeks to a month. Both parties had agreed to meet, with Hakimi proposing multiple times to convene in a restaurant alongside friends, proposals which were consistently declined by the woman.
Defense’s Unveiling of Key Details and Judicial Proceedings
Ultimately, the meeting took place at Hakimi’s residence, as arranged by the woman herself, with the footballer suggesting the possibility of an outdoor encounter. The two spent approximately an hour together in an atmosphere devoid of any tension or conflict. The evening concluded amicably, with Hakimi escorting the woman to the door before parting ways, according to Collin’s recount.
As both Hakimi and the complainant prepare to appear before the appellate court—and potentially a primary court session—several contentious points have surfaced from the defense side. Collin sharply criticized the woman’s conduct throughout the investigation, asserting that Hakimi has not obstructed justice in any manner. She emphasized that Hakimi fully cooperated by requesting to be heard, consenting to a confrontation with the accuser, providing a DNA sample, and voluntarily sharing his phone number.
Conversely, the complainant’s actions were described as obstructive, with a refusal to undergo available medical examinations that could have corroborated her narrative if truthful. Additionally, she declined to disclose the identity of a crucial witness who had dined with her prior to visiting Hakimi’s home and with whom she exchanged numerous messages allegedly outlining a scheme to defraud the footballer.
Collin further clarified that neither she nor Hakimi authored these messages, nor did they attempt to conceal them from judicial authorities. Nonetheless, the woman persistently refuses to surrender her mobile phone, a key piece of evidence. The lawyer concluded by underscoring that the indictment does not encompass the entire case file. An expert involved in the investigation evaluated the complainant, noting that although she does not exhibit tendencies toward fabrication or delusional disorders, this does not inherently validate her assertions.
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