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Dani Alves Acquitted of Rape by Spain’s Supreme Court
In a significant legal development, Spain’s Supreme Court has overturned the rape conviction of former football star Dani Alves. The ruling, delivered on Friday, upheld the appeal filed by the ex-Barcelona and Sevilla player a year prior. Alves had been initially found guilty in February 2024 and sentenced to 4.5 years imprisonment, having already served 14 months in pre-trial detention after surrendering to authorities. The Dani Alves rape case acquittal has sparked reactions from both legal teams.
Defense Lawyer Celebrates “Justice”
Following the court’s decision, Ines Guardiola, Alves’ legal representative, expressed her satisfaction in statements to RAC1, as reported by Sport.
“We are very happy; justice has finally been served. We expected this outcome, as he is innocent, and this has been demonstrated. We are elated,” Guardiola stated. She also indicated uncertainty regarding whether Alves would pursue damages in light of the ordeal.
Accuser’s Lawyer: Client “Psychologically Destroyed”
Conversely, Ester Garcia, the lawyer representing the accuser in the Dani Alves case, conveyed that her client was deeply distressed by the verdict.
“From a legal standpoint, we must appeal this judgment. We must consider the emotional toll on my client; she is psychologically devastated. These past two years have been a living hell for her,” Garcia informed the Catalan publication.
She further described her client as “[V]ery disappointed, saddened, and feeling as though she was reliving the traumatic incident in the bathroom.”
Wider Implications for Sexual Violence Cases
This Dani Alves acquittal occurs amidst ongoing discussions about sexual violence cases within Spanish football. Recent years have seen other high-profile legal proceedings, including convictions for sexual assault against footballer Santi Mina and Hugo Mallo.
Garcia argued that the Supreme Court’s decision represents “[A] setback, both legally and socially, in the fight against sexual violence” and could “[D]iscourage women from reporting sexual assault.”
She criticized the line of questioning in such cases, stating, “Debating whether a woman was dancing in a nightclub before experiencing sexual assault is not a discussion befitting the 21st century.”
Alves’ Situation Post-Acquittal
Alves’ original sentence included the confiscation of his passport and a requirement to pay €150,000 in damages to the victim. Since his release on bail in March 2024, pending his appeal against the conviction, he has resided in Barcelona.