Footballer Dani Alves convicted of rape, sentenced to Prison: Plans Appeal Amid controversy
Brazilian footballer Dani Alves has been convicted of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub restroom in 2022 and has been sentenced to 4-1/2 years in prison, which he plans to appeal.
The Catalonia region’s top court ordered Alves to pay 150,000 euros to the victim and placed him under probation for five years after his release.
The court stated that it was proven the victim did not consent, citing evidence including the victim’s testimony, a knee injury she suffered, and Alves’ behaviour.
Alves, 40, can request short periods of leave from prison once he serves a quarter of his sentence.
The court considered mitigating factors, including Alves opting to compensate the victim regardless of the trial’s outcome.
Alves’ lawyer plans to appeal, maintaining his innocence. The case gained attention due to Alves’ profile and amid increased focus on gender violence in Spain.
Alves, a highly successful footballer, joined Mexican side Pumas UNAM in 2022, but his contract was terminated after his arrest.
The trial and sentencing occurred under a law passed in 2022 that made consent a crucial factor in sexual assault cases.
