The Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi is set to be tried for rape, but there has been a noticeable lack of official responses from Moroccan authorities.
Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan footballer playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is facing trial for rape concerning an incident involving a young woman in February 2023. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, there has been little to no official reaction from Moroccan institutions regarding this judicial development. Meanwhile, local media appear hesitant to criticize Hakimi, who is a prominent figure in Moroccan football and a national idol.
In the face of these allegations, Hakimi maintains his innocence and has denied the charges against him. The French judiciary has determined that his case will proceed to trial in the departmental criminal court. Luis Enrique, the head coach of PSG, addressed the issue briefly in a press conference, emphasizing that the matter is now in the hands of the justice system and did not question Hakimi's position on the team despite the ongoing legal troubles.
The silence from official Moroccan institutions raises questions about the societal attitudes toward domestic violence and the legal process in such high-profile cases. The reverence for Hakimi in Morocco complicates the public's reception of the allegations and reflects broader themes of celebrity culture clashing with issues of justice. As the trial approaches, the dynamics surrounding media coverage and public discourse will be crucial in shaping the narrative around both Hakimi and the issue of violence against women in the region.
