Former Brazil footballer Dani Alves made his mandated weekly visit to a Barcelona court on Thursday, accompanied by his lawyer. Alves, who spent a brief time in court and did not address the media, had been released on bail earlier in the week while awaiting the result of an appeal to his rape conviction.
During his court appearance, Alves wore a brown jacket over white attire and left the courthouse promptly after the visit. He is required to report to the court every Friday and as ordered.
Alves was recently found guilty of raping a woman in a nightclub in December 2022 and was sentenced to four years and six months in prison. Despite denying the allegations, he was detained preventively for 14 months before being released on bail.
As part of his bail conditions, Alves surrendered his passports and is prohibited from leaving Spain or contacting the victim. Prosecutors have expressed concerns about a potential flight risk and have requested the court to reconsider bail, advocating for his continued detention.
The appeals trial at a higher court in Barcelona is pending, with potential further proceedings at the Spanish supreme court in Madrid. Alves' legal team is seeking his acquittal, while prosecutors aim to increase his prison sentence to nine years.
Given the complexities of the case and the legal processes involved, the timeline for the resolution remains uncertain. The victim's lawyer is advocating for a 12-year prison term for Alves.
It is important to note that Brazil does not extradite its citizens when sentenced in other countries, adding a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings in this case.
Alves' ongoing legal situation continues to draw attention and scrutiny, with further developments expected as the appeals process unfolds.
