Achraf Hakimi's lawyer has cast doubt on the accuser's account in the rape case, highlighting the absence of any psychological or physical signs to support her claim. Moreover, newly surfaced information, most notably leaked text messages, suggests a possible element of premeditation. Achraf Hakimi's lawyer told RMC Sport: «In cases of rape or sexual assault, we find in 99.9% of them psychological assessments indicating symptoms, post-traumatic stress, nightmares, weight gain, weight loss. However, in this case, none of that is present». On Friday, the public prosecutor's office in Nanterre, France, officially requested that Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi be referred to the regional criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department on charges of rape, an accusation the player has consistently denied, maintaining his innocence. «The prosecution, which represents the accusing party, is doing its job by trying to gather evidence that could incriminate the accused», the lawyer continued. «But I've reviewed the case file, and I can confirm there are numerous elements that exonerate my client». «It will be up to the defense to highlight these elements. In this case, we will fight to the end for the truth to come out, and for it to be said and heard that Achraf Hakimi said nothing, did nothing, and is not guilty». She also said she felt «calm» about the possibility of a trial, questioning the complainant's account, which she described as «contradictory». Suspicious messages Investigators, meanwhile, requested access to the complainant's phone to review messages she had not previously provided. Among the texts was one sent at midnight, in which the woman wrote to a friend, «Oh, I'm so angry, haha». Her friend Nadia replied with an unusual suggestion: «Listen to the song À l'abri by Fresh La Peufra» which opens with the lyrics, «I had no choice, I had to take risks to protect the family». Nadia went on to advise Amelie: «Go to him with the persona of a seductive woman», and followed up with a suspicious message: «Try to get the codes and everything», before adding, «We will rob him», and concluding with, «We are girls from the street». During his interrogation, Hakimi recounted: «We were exchanging text messages. She told me she was working, and I respected that. We continued exchanging kisses, which became a bit longer, and I placed my hand on her lower back. Then she told me: nothing will happen on the first meeting. I respected her stance and said, 'Okay.' We continued kissing, but she was using her phone again» The incident allegedly took place on February 25, 2023, when a 24-year-old woman claimed she was sexually assaulted by Hakimi at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt. This followed about a month of texting on Instagram, culminating in their first in-person meeting. According to her account, Hakimi arranged an Uber to bring her to his home, where she says he harassed and assaulted her despite her clear refusal. She also mentioned sending a text message to a friend asking for help, something her friend later confirmed to police. Later that same day, the woman went to a police station in the Paris suburbs to give her testimony, though she initially chose not to file an official complaint. On March 3, 2023, Hakimi was formally charged with rape.
