In a dramatic turn of events, former Barcelona and Brazil right-back Dani Alves has had his rape conviction quashed by the Catalonia High Court. The ruling, issued on Friday, cited inconsistencies and contradictions in the evidence presented against the 41-year-old footballer.
Alves, who was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for allegedly assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub restroom in 2022, is now free to leave Spain after all restrictions against him were lifted.
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Court Overturns Conviction Citing Flaws in Evidence
The unanimous decision by the four-judge panel emphasized that the testimony of the accuser lacked reliability, especially when compared to objective video evidence.
The ruling explicitly stated that “what she recounted does not correspond to reality.” It also highlighted the “series of gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions concerning the facts, the legal assessment, and its consequences.” As a result, the court ruled that the standard required to uphold a conviction had not been met, ultimately leading to Alves’ acquittal.
Defense’s Argument Prevails Over Prosecution’s Claims
One of the key points in the appeal was the complainant’s statement regarding why she entered the restroom with Alves. The court ruled that her claim of fearing that his friends might follow them did not seem reasonable, concluding instead that she “voluntarily went to the bathroom area for the purpose of being with the defendant in a more intimate space.”
Additionally, CCTV footage did not provide conclusive evidence to determine whether the interaction between Alves and the accuser was consensual. The ruling stated that fingerprint and biological evidence, which supported the defense, had not been sufficiently considered in the initial trial.
Legal Battle May Continue
Despite the acquittal, the case may not be over. The accuser’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, has already announced plans to appeal the decision before Spain’s Supreme Court. The appeal process could take up to a year, meaning Alves’ legal troubles might not be entirely behind him yet.
Garcia also highlighted the emotional toll the case has taken on her client due to the overwhelming media scrutiny. Meanwhile, the regional prosecutor’s office has declined to comment on the latest verdict.
Dani Alves Reacts to Acquittal
Alves, who was previously released from prison on a €1 million ($1.1 million) bail while awaiting the appeal, is now free from legal restrictions, including a travel ban and a restraining order. His lawyer, Ines Guardiola, expressed relief over the decision.
Speaking to RAC1 radio, Guardiola revealed the footballer’s reaction to the court’s ruling: “Alves is very happy. He is innocent, that is demonstrated. Justice has spoken.”
Public Reaction and Societal Impact
The decision has sparked mixed reactions across Spain. Given the heightened sensitivity around women’s rights in the country, especially following the controversy surrounding former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss incident with Jenni Hermoso, many have expressed unease with the verdict’s implications for survivors of sexual violence.
While some have emphasized the importance of trusting the judicial process, others have raised concerns that the ruling could deter victims from coming forward. Spain’s Justice Minister, Félix Bolaños, acknowledged the complexities of the case, stating, “The ruling must be respected, and I cannot separately assess facts already reviewed by judges. But Spanish society no longer tolerates sexist vexatious behavior, and women are losing their fear and denouncing it.”
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FAQs
Why was Dani Alves’ rape conviction overturned?
The Catalonia High Court ruled that the case had “inconsistencies and contradictions,” stating that the accuser’s testimony lacked reliability when compared to objective video evidence.
What was Dani Alves originally convicted of?
Alves was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for allegedly raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub restroom in December 2022.
Is Dani Alves completely free now?
Yes, the court lifted all legal restrictions, including a travel ban and restraining order. However, the accuser’s lawyer has announced plans to appeal the decision before Spain’s Supreme Court.
What evidence led to the acquittal?
The court found gaps in the accuser’s statements and noted that fingerprint and biological evidence supporting Alves’ defense had not been adequately considered in the initial trial.
What has Dani Alves said about the ruling?
His lawyer, Ines Guardiola, stated that Alves is “very happy” and believes “justice has spoken,” maintaining his innocence.
