A Moroccan lawyers' association has issued a sharp rebuke of the French judiciary, accusing it of mishandling the ongoing rape investigation involving Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi.

In a statement released Saturday, the Club of Lawyers in Morocco claimed that the French authorities had violated core legal principles, including the right to a fair and timely trial. The group cited “serious breaches” of due process in the case, which they say contravene both French law and the European Convention on Human Rights.

They further criticized what they called media-driven pressure surrounding the investigation, and emphasized that the probe was initiated based solely on a verbal allegation—without a formal complaint, medical examination, or early cooperation from the complainant.

The incident reportedly took place on February 24, 2023, when a then 24-year-old woman visited Hakimi at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a Paris suburb. She later reported the alleged assault to police in Nogent-sur-Marne, though no official complaint was filed. Hakimi was formally placed under investigation on March 3, 2023.

More than two years later, the investigation remains unresolved—a delay the Moroccan lawyers say is “unacceptable” and infringes upon Hakimi’s legal rights. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” they said, citing European case law.

Hakimi has denied any wrongdoing. His legal team also decried the prolonged legal process and pointed to inconsistencies in the complainant’s account. According to French media reports, messages exchanged between the woman and a friend before, during, and after the visit suggest the encounter may not have occurred as initially alleged.

Investigators reportedly found that while the woman sent messages during the encounter saying she was being assaulted, she later testified that Hakimi “was not violent.” The friend later picked her up from the footballer’s residence.

Earlier messages between the complainant and her friend have also raised concerns. The pair allegedly joked about playing the role of a “femme fatale” and used phrases such as “crack the codes” and “rob him”—fueling speculation of a possible extortion attempt. Hakimi’s legal counsel has cited these messages as potential evidence of an effort to financially blackmail the player.

Hakimi told investigators the two had kissed, but insisted the woman clearly communicated that “nothing would happen,” which he said he respected. “She said nothing would happen the first night. I said OK,” Hakimi told investigators, noting that she continued using her phone throughout the visit.

Former PSG teammate and France international Kylian Mbappé has voiced support for Hakimi. “Even when drunk, I’ve never seen him act out of line. He’s always been respectful toward women,” Mbappé reportedly said during questioning.

The case has sparked significant public interest in Morocco, where many fans have raised questions about the timing of renewed scrutiny—just days ahead of the Ballon d’Or nomination announcements. Some suspect an attempt to tarnish Hakimi’s image.

The Nanterre prosecutor’s office has not yet indicated whether the case will proceed to trial. No physical evidence has been made public, and the complainant has reportedly declined to provide full access to her message history.