Achraf Hakimi rape case: Court of Appeal confirms referral to trial
via SeneNews4 min read
The Versailles Court of Appeal has confirmed the referral of Paris Saint-Germain player Achraf Hakimi to trial for rape. This decision upholds the prospect of a trial in a case that began in February 2023, following accusations from a young woman who alleged she was a victim of rape during an encounter with the player. The defense had appealed the decision, but the Court of Appeal's investigative chamber found sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. Hakimi, who has been under judicial supervision since the start of the proceedings, has consistently denied the accusations, calling them "false accusations" and maintaining his innocence. The Moroccan international has publicly stated his expectation for justice to establish the truth through a contradictory debate before a trial court.
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The Senegalese national team is preparing to face Norway with a focus on offensive adjustments following a 3-1 loss to France. Despite maintaining possession and creating dangerous situations, the team, led by coach Pape Thiaw, struggled with finishing. This issue was also observed in previous matches against the United States and Saudi Arabia, where only Sadio Man茅 consistently impacted the score sheet. The technical staff is considering strategic changes to enhance the team's effectiveness, including potentially starting Ibrahim Mbaye, a young attacker known for his dynamism, and integrating Path茅 Ciss into the midfield. The goal is to inject more spontaneity and verticality into the final third of the field. The team aims to convert its dominance into concrete results, recognizing that efficiency is paramount in high-level competition.
The Senegalese government is launching a 5 billion CFA franc initiative to modernize 2,000 local shops nationwide. This project, unveiled after a workshop by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, aims to restructure the retail sector and ensure stable access to essential consumer products. The plan involves creating a national network of standardized shops, ranging from convenience stores to larger supermarket formats, to serve as a regulated distribution model with common standards for quality, supply, and management. A key component is the establishment of a collective purchasing center to organize bulk orders, optimize supply costs, and stabilize prices. This center will also connect directly with agricultural and industrial production zones to reduce intermediaries. Institutionally, a public limited company will manage the purchasing center, with private sector actors like traders, supermarkets, and shopkeepers holding the majority of shares and guiding strategic decisions. The state will maintain a minority stake, capped at 25% of the capital. This program is part of a broader strategy to reduce import dependency and strengthen local production, addressing the significant import volumes of everyday consumer products. The workshop's conclusions will guide the finalization of the technical and institutional framework, including deployment modalities, execution timeline, and selection criteria for involved stakeholders.
Must ReadMakane Diop, a long-standing figure within Pastef from the Mbour department, has announced his resignation from all party functions. In a letter addressed to the party leadership, Diop expressed deep disappointment with the party's evolution, citing an "autocratic drift" and a weakening of internal structures. He stated that the principles of internal democracy, collegiality, and collective leadership, which he initially adhered to, have progressively eroded. Diop, who served as deputy local coordinator, secretary general of the Senegalese Patriotic Youth in Mbour, coordinator for the 2022 and 2025 legislative elections, and a municipal councilor, described the party as having transformed from a space for debate into a "personal possession." He criticized the excessive concentration of power around the leadership and the supplanting of democratic ideals by a "cult of personality" and the demand for "blind allegiance." Despite his firm criticisms, Diop emphasized that his decision was not driven by personal animosity and affirmed his continued commitment to a just, democratic, and sovereign Senegal outside the political party.