Brazilian Footballer Dani Alves Convicted in Barcelona Rape Case
Brazilian footballer Dani Alves has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in 2022. The Barcelona Provincial Court sentenced Alves to four and a half years in prison and ordered him to pay 150,000 euros ($163,000) to the victim. Alves, who has been in prison on remand since his arrest in January last year, plans to appeal the decision.
The court emphasized that the victim did not consent to the sexual encounter, stating, "The sentence considers it has been proven that the victim did not consent, and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven." Despite maintaining his innocence, Alves changed his version of events multiple times during the trial. His lawyer, Ines Guardiola, expressed her intent to appeal, stating, "I still believe Alves is innocent," and mentioned that her client was "coping well."
The prosecutor was seeking a nine year sentence for Alves, with the victim seeking 12. However the court settled on four and a half, citing Alves’ willingness to pay the victim compensation regardless of the trial's outcome as a mitigating factor for the reduced senstence. Following his release from prison, Alves will spend five years on probation.
This high-profile case gained attention not only due to Alves' prominence in the football world but also because it unfolded against the backdrop of Spain's evolving legal landscape on sexual assault. The trial occurred under a new sexual liberty law that places a strong emphasis on the lack of consent as a crucial factor in determining sex crimes. The court's decision is seen as a reflection of the changes the country made in 2022 to prioritize consent in sexual assault cases.
Alves, known for winning over 40 trophies with clubs like Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris St Germain, faced severe consequences following his arrest. His contract with Mexican side Pumas UNAM, where he had joined in 2022, was terminated. The verdict is expected to have a lasting impact on Alves' legacy, tarnishing the image of one of the most successful footballers in history.
