Barcelona, Spain – In a verdict that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, former Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison for sexual assault.
Why is Daniel Alves in Prison?
Daniel Alves is in prison because a court in Barcelona found him guilty of assaulting a woman in a nightclub on New Year’s Eve in 2022. The 40-year-old has been in custody since his arrest in January 2023 and will now face imprisonment.
Victim Testimony
The victim testified that she was forced into unwanted sexual relations by Alves despite initially entering the nightclub bathroom willingly. The court deemed her testimony credible and found additional evidence supporting her claims.
According to her, Daniel Alves grabbed her abruptly, threw her to the ground, and prevented her from moving, penetrating her vaginally, despite the saying no, that she wanted to leave.
READ ALSO: Dani Alves Sentenced to Prison for Raping a Woman on New Year’s Eve
Defense Arguments
Alves initially denied any wrongdoing but later changed his story, admitting to consensual relations. His defense attempted to portray him as intoxicated during the encounter, aiming to lessen the severity of the charges.
Where is Daniel Alves Now?
As reported by Dailymail.co.uk, Daniel Alves is being held in custody at Brians 2 prison, located near the Catalan capital, since his arrest in January of last year. Now, he is confronting his initial evening behind bars as a convicted individual for a sexual offense. Established in 2007 by the Department of Justice to address overcrowding issues in other correctional facilities, Brians 2 prison has the capacity to accommodate 1,500 inmates.
Right to Appeal
Alves has the right to appeal the sentence. However, his previous requests for bail were denied due to flight risk concerns, as Brazil does not extradite its citizens for foreign convictions.
Impactful Case
This case holds significant weight as it is the first high-profile conviction under Spain’s recently reformed sexual assault legislation, which prioritizes consent in defining such crimes. This verdict follows public outcry regarding a similar case in 2016.
Career Repercussions
Alves, a decorated player with numerous titles and international appearances, saw his contract with Mexican club Pumas terminated immediately following his arrest.
Moving Forward
The Alves case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consent and the potential consequences of violating it. While the legal process continues, this verdict marks a significant development in Spain’s fight against sexual assault.
