Former Barcelona and Brazil football star Dani Alves is currently on trial in Spain, accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in December 2022. The 40-year-old has been held in prison without bail for over a year.
Alves faces up to 12 years in prison if found guilty. Initially denying knowing the accuser, he later admitted to consensual sex. The trial, which began recently, involves testimony from over 30 individuals, including Alves and his estranged wife.
Despite Alves’ request to postpone the trial, citing undue media pressure, the court denied it. The accuser, protected by a screen, testified that Alves lured her into a nightclub toilet and forced her into sex. Her cousin and a friend corroborated her account, mentioning Alves’ prior advances toward them. In Spain, rape cases fall under sexual assault, carrying sentences of 4 to 15 years.
The prosecution seeks a nine-year prison term for Alves and €150,000 in damages. Alves’ mother may face charges for revealing the accuser’s identity on social media. Bail requests for Alves have been rejected due to flight risk concerns.
Alves, a highly decorated player, previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain, amassing numerous titles. His contract with Mexican club Pumas UNAM was terminated in January 2023.
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